Logistics

 

Important Dates

Abstract submission deadline: Mar 21, 2023

Registration Deadline: Apr 21, 2023

Symposium Venue

Domenici Science Operations Center (DSOC)
1003 Lopezville Rd, Socorro, NM 87801

Driving Directions:
As you enter New Mexico Tech campus from Bullock Avenue, continue on to Olive Lane. Make the first right into the parking lot and then another immediate right into the DSOC lot. The DSOC is on the north end of the parking lot.

If you arrive after 10:00 PM, the gate at the corner of Lopezville Road and Olive Lane (Bullock becomes Olive Lane) will be locked, return to Leroy Street and turn right. Continue to Neel Ave, turn right. Neel Ave will become Olive Lane. Continue on Olive Lane, the Macey Center screened-display will be in view as you drive around the curve. Turn left into the parking lot marked with the Domenici Science Operations Center sign. The DSOC is on the north end of the parking lot.

Maps and directions to NRAO Socorro from the Albuquerque airport (ABQ) are located here. 

Lodging

For participants who have not booked and paid for their own lodging, lodging will be sponsored by NRAO at the NRAO Guesthouse. Symposium participants who submitted the lodging request for the Guesthouse should have received a confirmation by email with details  and instructions on how to access the Guesthouse during or after business hours listed in. The email should have a subject line of "Your Upcoming Trip - NRAO NM".

If you have any question regarding to your booking, please contact the DSOC reservationist can be reached at nmreserv@nrao.edu or by phone at 575-835-7000


Computing Access

Guest wifi will be available at DSOC, not at the telescope sites.

 

Meal Arrangements

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Monday and Tuesday to in-person participants. 

A welcome dinner for postdocs, panelists, and organizers will be held on Monday, May 15th at 6:30pm at Bodega Burger.

The Symposium Dinner will be held on Tuesday, May 16th at 6:30pm at Yo Mama's Grill.

During the VLA+VLBA site tour for postdocs, panelists, and organizers on Wednesday, May 17th, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant between the VLA and VLBA sites.

There are plenty of options to eat in Socorro. Most restaurants are within walking distance from the NMT Campus, where the conference will take place, and the hotels. More information on dining options may be found here: https://www.socorronm.org/dining/

VLA Site Tour: Logistics and RFI concerns

On Wednesday, May 17th, a VLA & VLBA site tour has been organized for the postdocs and career panelists. NRAO will provide transportation to/from DSOC and the VLA & VLBA sites. We will leave at 8am. This will likely take up the entire day, expecting to be back at DSOC around 5 or 6pm. If you need to leave early, please arrange your own transportation to the site.

Since the site is at a high elevation (~6,970 feet or ~ 2,120 m), please let the OC know if you have any health concerns. Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required during the tour.  We strongly suggest you also bring the following items: water, sunscreen, lip-blam, and sunhats. It is expected to be windy at the site. It will be possible to climb into one of the VLA dishes, but that is optional.

  • Digital cameras are not permitted near the telescopes
  • Please take RFI precautions and protocols as instructed by the organizers
  • If you have any question, please ask one of your local NRAO guides.

 

New Mexico Tourist Attractions

With its rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, adventurous spirit, and great food and arts scene, New Mexico has many unique experiences to offer.  Here are some of the must-see tourist attractions within driving distance from Socorro.

  • White Sands National Park (~ 3 hours drive)
  • Carlsbad Caverns (~ 4.5 hours drive)
  • Santa Fe (~ 2 hours drive)
  • Taos (~ 3 hours drive)

    Interior Border Control Check Point Notes: There is at least one interior border control check point on I-25 north bound section south of Socorro, please check online for appropriate paperwork needed and your rights when passing through those check points.

 

Emergency Contact

For safety concerns, contact local and/or New Mexico Tech police at the following numbers:

  • Emergency 911
  • Non-emergency 575-835-5434 or ext. 5434 (using the outside phone)

Housekeeping & Maintenance contacts can be found in you Digital Visitor Packet.

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.