The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), renowned for observing the cosmos’s darkest and most distant corners, has taken a step to ensure its observations remain unaffected by human-made interference.

At the heart of ALMA’s exceptional capabilities lies its extensive frequency range, spanning from 35 GHz to 950 GHz in ten distinct frequency bands. This comprehensive range is vital for ALMA’s mission to unlock the Universe’s secrets. However, it also exposes the observatory to potential RFI from both terrestrial and space-based sources.

A recently concluded study, led by senior radio frequency (RF) engineer and Spectrum Manager Giorgio Siringo, alongside ALMA Director Sean Dougherty, presents an extensive analysis of the current and future challenges of radio frequency interference (RFI) to ALMA’s operations. This white paper, “ALMA Spectrum and Radio Frequency Interference,” meticulously identifies vulnerabilities from sources of interference and proposes robust mitigation measures to safeguard ALMA’s valuable observations.

The ALMA Spectrum Management Office is collaborating in Chile with the Radio Sub-Committee of the Light Pollution Working Group of the Chilean Astronomical Society (SoChiAs) and the Chilean Low-Earth Orbit Satellites Group (CLEOsat), internationally with the Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), with the National Radio Dynamic Zones (NRDZ) initiative of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) of the USA, and with the Committee on Radio Astronomy Frequencies (CRAF) of the European Science Foundation (ESF), and participating in the preparatory meetings for the WRC-27 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Read more at the Joint ALMA Observatory website. 

The post Protecting ALMA’s Skies appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Jupiter’s moon Io is the most volcanically active place in the solar system. During its 1.8-day orbit, this moon is gravitationally squeezed by Jupiter, leading to volcanic eruptions larger than any on Earth today.

Io, Europa, and Ganymede are in an orbital configuration known as a Laplace resonance: for every orbit of Ganymede (the farthest of the three from Jupiter), Europa completes exactly two orbits, and Io completes exactly four. In this configuration, the moons pull on each other gravitationally in such a way that they are forced into elliptical, rather than round, orbits. Such orbits allow Jupiter’s gravity to heat the moons’ interiors, causing Io’s volcanism and adding heat to the subsurface liquid ocean on icy Europa.

How long has Io been experiencing volcanic upheaval? In other words, how long have Jupiter’s moons been in this configuration?

To discover the answer, researchers utilized the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) telescope in Chile—a telescope that is itself surrounded by volcanoes—to measure sulfur isotopes on Io.

Read the full press release from Caltech.

The post ALMA Reveals Jupiter’s Moon Io has been Volcanically Active for Billions of Years appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is thrilled to invite the public to the Very Large Array (VLA) Spring Open House event on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Located in Socorro, New Mexico, this free event offers an exciting opportunity for visitors to explore the iconic VLA and engage with leading scientists and engineers from NRAO.

The VLA Spring Open House promises a day filled with enriching experiences, including guided tours, captivating talks, educational activities, and a variety of local food options. Visitors will have the chance to interact with NRAO staff, who will be on-site throughout the day to provide insights and answer questions about the VLA and its groundbreaking research.

The event will feature engaging presentations by NRAO staff speakers throughout the day:

– Dave Finley will delve into the fascinating History of VLA.

– Chris Carilli will enlighten attendees with a talk on ngVLA (next generation Very Large Array).

– Paul Demorest will share insights about nanoGRAV, an innovative research initiative.

Guided tours, led by NRAO scientist and engineer volunteers, will be offered every half hour between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm, providing visitors with an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the VLA’s operations and capabilities.

In addition to the educational programs, attendees can enjoy a variety of food options from local vendors, including:

The Wandering Scorpion  https://roaminghunger.com/the-wandering-scorpion/ 

Red Wagon Coffee Truck  https://www.facebook.com/RedWagonCoffeeCompany/ 

Rosie’s Burgers and More

Chavez Food Truck

For those interested in hands-on learning, educational activities such as sunspot observation, H-alpha telescope viewing, and solar bead crafts will be available, offering a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.

As the event takes place outdoors, attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring sunscreen and plenty of water. In the event of adverse weather conditions, activities will be moved indoors to the visitor’s center to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.

Admission to the VLA Spring Open House is free, but advance tickets are required. To secure your spot and learn more about the event, please visit the official event page at https://public.nrao.edu/event/very-large-array-spring-open-house-2024/.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of the Very Large Array and engage with the world-renowned scientists driving groundbreaking discoveries in radio astronomy. We look forward to welcoming you to the VLA Spring Open House on April 20th!

About NRAO

NRAO is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: 

NRAO Media Contact

Corrina C. Jaramillo Feldman
Public Information Officer – New Mexico
VLA, VLBA, ngVLA
Tel: +1 505-366-7267
[email protected]

Event Details:

Date: April 20, 2024  

Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm  

Location: Very Large Array, Socorro, NM  

Admission: Free (Advance tickets required)  

Tickets can be found HERE: https://nraoepo.ticketapp.org/portal/product/20?_gl=1*3d2rux*_ga*MTExNzUzNTEwNC4xNzA1NDMxMDg2*_ga_2PHM2Y21WB*MTcxMTYzMjU1OS40Ny4xLjE3MTE2MzI2NTQuMjkuMC4w

The event link can be found HERE: https://public.nrao.edu/event/very-large-array-spring-open-house-2024/

The post The Very Large Array to Host Spring Open House Event on April 20, 2024 appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Atacama Desert, Chile – February 2024 – The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) and Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of two local students, Iris and Camila, as they embark on their journeys into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.

Iris and Camila, both 19 years old and natives of San Pedro de Atacama, have been integral parts of the AUI and NSF NRAO initiative PROVOCA (PROmote + VOCAtions), which which seeks to promote, guide, accompany and retain female talent in STEM. Their involvement in PROVOCA, spanning from its inception to their recent participation in the mentorship program in 2023, has been transformative, leading them on paths they never imagined.

Initially aspiring to pursue careers in medicine, Iris and Camila discovered new horizons through their engagement with PROVOCA. The mentorship program provided them with exposure to various STEM disciplines, igniting a passion for fields they had never considered before. Iris has chosen to pursue biology, while Camila is venturing into engineering, with a focus on aerospace engineering.

The transition from their hometown of San Pedro to prestigious universities in Santiago and Concepción marks a significant milestone, not only for Iris and Camila but also for their families. As the first members of their families to attend college, they are blazing trails and inspiring future generations in their community.

PROVOCA’s mentorship program played a pivotal role in Iris and Camila’s journey, guiding them through self-discovery and empowering them to redefine their career aspirations. By providing a supportive environment for exploration and growth, PROVOCA enabled them to articulate their motivations and confidently pursue their true passions in STEM.

AUI and NSF NRAO recognize Iris and Camila’s achievements as emblematic of PROVOCA’s mission to nurture STEM talent at the grassroots level. Their stories exemplify the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of early exposure to diverse STEM opportunities.

“We firmly believe that when students embark on a journey of exploration and self-discovery from an early age, their STEM identity is strengthened, setting a solid foundation for their future endeavors,” said Sonia Duffau, Outreach and Diversity Officer for AUI and NSF NRAO in Chile. “Iris and Camila’s success stories inspire us all and reaffirm our commitment to fostering STEM excellence in our community.”

As Iris and Camila embark on their academic pursuits, ALMA Observatory joins NSF NRAO and AUI in this celebration, as it contributes 9 out of the 51 mentors of the PROVOCA program, and extends its best wishes for their continued success and looks forward to witnessing their future accomplishments in the dynamic world of STEM.

About AUI

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUl) is a non-profit organization that collaborates with the scientific community to plan, build and operate cutting-edge facilities, including Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCS).

About ALMA & NRAO

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA is funded by ESO on behalf of its Member States, by NSF in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan  and by NINS in cooperation with the Academia Sinica (AS) in Taiwan and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI).

ALMA operations are led by ESO on behalf of its Member States; by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), on behalf of North America; and by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) on behalf of East Asia. The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA.

NRAO is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: 

NRAO Media Contact

Corrina C. Jaramillo Feldman
Public Information Officer – New Mexico
VLA, VLBA, ngVLA
Tel: +1 505-366-7267
[email protected]

The post Associated Universities, Inc. and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory celebrate success of Chilean students in pursuit of STEM careers appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Astronomers have discovered the secrets of a starburst galaxy producing new stars at a rate much faster than our Milk Way. This research revealed many different molecules, more than ever seen before in a galaxy like this.

This international research team used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to observe the center of starburst galaxy NGC 253. Through ALMA’s high sensitivity and angular resolution, the team detected over one hundred molecular species in NGC 253, far more than previously observed in galaxies beyond the Milky Way.

This research was assembled from several papers from the ALMA Comprehensive High-resolution Extragalactic Molecular Inventory (ALCHEMI),a large program led by Sergio Martín of the European Southern Observatory/Joint ALMA Observatory, Nanase Harada of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and Jeff Mangum of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

The astronomers found that the center of NGC 253 has a lot of dense gas, which helps make stars. This molecular gas is more than ten times as dense as the gas found in the center of our own Milky Way galaxy. Astronomers also discovered an abundance of complex organic molecules around regions of active star formation. When clouds of gas collide, they create shock waves that make certain molecules easier to see with telescopes like ALMA. The ALCHEMI survey expanded the molecular species atlas outside the Milky Way, doubling the number of identified species.

By employing machine learning, astronomers identified molecules effectively tracing various stages of star formation. This research also observed enhanced species like H3O₊ and HOC₊ in developed starburst regions, indicating energy output from massive stars, which could inhibit future star formation. NGC 253 has had a lot of stars explode as supernovae, and these powerful bursts of energy make it harder for gas to come together to form new stars.

The ALCHEMI survey provided an atlas of 44 molecular species. By applying a machine-learning technique to this atlas, the researchers were able to identify which molecules are present at specific stages of star formation. Identifying tracers can help guide future ALMA observations, particularly with the anticipated wideband sensitivity upgrade. This upgrade, outlined in the ALMA 2030 Development roadmap, will allow for the simultaneous tracking of multiple tracer molecules, further advancing astronomers understanding of how stars form.

The post Stellar Explosions and Cosmic Chemistry appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration has observed spirals of light escaping from the edge of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way Galaxy. Seen in polarized light for the first time, this new view of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) has revealed a structure strikingly similar to that of the black hole at the center of the M87 galaxy, suggesting that strong magnetic fields may be common to all black holes. This similarity also hints toward a hidden jet in Sgr A*. The results were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) helped astronomers to discover this new finding. ALMA is the world’s most powerful millimeter/ submillimeter telescope, and an important instrument for the EHT. The spiraling light at the heart of this research is actually made up of radio waves—light that can’t be seen by the human eye or optical telescopes, but can be observed by the many radio telescopes, including ALMA, working together across the EHT.

Scientists unveiled the first image of Sgr A*—which is approximately 27,000 light-years away from Earth—in 2022, revealing that while the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole is more than a thousand times smaller and less massive than M87’s, it looks remarkably similar. This made scientists wonder whether the two shared common traits outside of their looks. To find out, the team decided to study Sgr A* in polarized light. Previous studies of light around M87* revealed that the magnetic fields around the black hole giant allowed it to launch powerful jets of material back into the surrounding environment. Building on this work, the new images have revealed that the same may be true for Sgr A*.

Read more at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, USA.

About the EHT

The EHT collaboration involves more than 300 researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. The international collaboration is working to capture the most detailed black hole images ever obtained by creating a virtual Earth-sized telescope. Supported by considerable international investment, the EHT links existing telescopes using novel systems — creating a fundamentally new instrument with the highest angular resolving power that has yet been achieved.

The individual telescopes involved in the EHT in April 2017, when the observations were conducted, were: the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX), the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimetrique (IRAM) 30-meter Telescope, the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), the Large Millimeter Telescope Alfonso Serrano (LMT), the Submillimeter Array (SMA), the UArizona Submillimeter Telescope (SMT), the South Pole Telescope (SPT). Since then, the EHT has added the Greenland Telescope (GLT), the IRAM NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) and the UArizona 12-meter Telescope on Kitt Peak to its network.

The EHT consortium consists of 13 stakeholder institutes: the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the University of Arizona, the University of Chicago, the East Asian Observatory, Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt, Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique, Large Millimeter Telescope, Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, MIT Haystack Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Radboud University and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

About ALMA & NRAO

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA is funded by ESO on behalf of its Member States, by NSF in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and by NINS in cooperation with the Academia Sinica (AS) in Taiwan and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI).

ALMA construction and operations are led by ESO on behalf of its Member States; by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), on behalf of North America; and by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) on behalf of East Asia. The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

The post Astronomers Unveil Strong Magnetic Fields Spiraling at the Edge of Milky Way’s Central Black Hole appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Compact Symmetric Objects (CSOs) have long puzzled astronomers with their unique characteristics. These active galaxies harbor supermassive black holes that emit powerful jets traveling at near-light speeds in opposite directions. However, unlike their counterparts in other galaxies, these jets remain compact, not extending out to great distances as expected. For decades, scientists presumed that CSOs were youthful entities, with their jets destined to expand over time.

New findings, published in three papers in The Astrophysical Journal, challenge this notion. The Caltech-led team, spearheaded by Anthony (Tony) Readhead, Robinson Professor of Astronomy, Emeritus, discovered that CSOs have relatively short lifespans. Through an exhaustive review of literature and observations, the team identified over 3,000 CSO candidates, confirming 64 as authentic CSOs and recognizing 15 new candidates. These objects were previously observed by the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO)’s Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), renowned for its unparalleled resolution.

The studies, funded by NSF, NASA, Caltech, and the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany, mark a significant step forward in understanding the dynamic processes shaping our universe. Read the full Caltech release HERE and view NRAO’s scientific visualization animation HERE.

About NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: 

NRAO Media Contact

Corrina C. Jaramillo Feldman
Public Information Officer – New Mexico
VLA, VLBA, ngVLA
Tel: +1 505-366-7267
[email protected]

The post Radio Observations of Compact Symmetric Objects Shed New Light on Black Hole Phenomenon appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

NRAO and SpaceX have engaged in coordinated experiments involving NRAO telescopes and the Starlink satellite constellation for over two years. Early experiments began in late 2021 with the deployment of working Starlink user terminals near the Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico and have continued to the present day. These experiments highlight the ways in which satellite constellations and radio telescopes might be able to coexist, provided there is mutual awareness of what the other is doing.

Supported by the National Science Foundation, NRAO and SpaceX are developing a system called Operational Data Sharing (ODS) that provides the current status (position in the sky and observing frequency) of two of its telescopes: the VLA in New Mexico and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in West Virginia. SpaceX is able to incorporate these data into its operational algorithm so that its Starlink satellites can steer their downlink beams away the NRAO telescope “boresight” (where the telescopes are pointed in the sky) at the moment an observation is taking place.  This adaptation helps to ensure critical internet connectivity for users of the Starlink system while protecting and potentially expanding the frequency bands that radio astronomers can use for their research.

For more details on this developing system, see a recent video produced for NRAO by One World Media above.

The post NRAO and SpaceX Coordinate to Protect Radio Astronomy  appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

[Albuquerque, New Mexico – January 2024] – The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) marked its presence for the third consecutive year at the prestigious New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge, hosted at the main campus of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The event brought together over 400 students from various schools across the state to showcase their innovative STEM projects.

NRAO, a proud sponsor of the event, was represented by a dedicated team including Jesse Alexander, Ham Radio Project Lead, from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), Vanshree Bhalotia, Education Specialist, from the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) department’s STEAM Education, and NRAO Jansky Fellow Dr. Julia Blue Bird. The team engaged with students and teachers, evaluating and supporting the projects presented by high school teams.

One of the highlights of NRAO’s participation was the selection of Tohatchi High School, located near Gallup on the Navajo Reservation, as the sponsored team. Their project, a groundbreaking water filtration system using corn husks, impressed the judges and exemplified the fusion of native practices with modern science to address crucial community needs.

Vanshree Bhalotia, representing NRAO’s STEAM Education program, established valuable connections with educators and STEM organizations, including the LANL Foundation. She emphasized the importance of engaging students in STEM projects that have real-world applications and showcased the educational opportunities available at the Very Large Array (VLA).

Reflecting on the event, Jesse Alexander commended the students for their dedication to solving significant challenges. The theme for this year’s challenge was “Now that we live in a post-pandemic world, how can we improve overall mental, physical, or relational health and wellness in our homes, schools, and communities through the use of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)?”

The sponsorship of Tohatchi High School’s project underscored NRAO’s commitment to supporting innovative solutions and fostering STEM talent in New Mexico.

The Governor’s STEM Challenge provided a platform for networking and collaboration, with NRAO aiming to expand its role as a valuable resource for teachers in the state’s STEM education community. The event also facilitated interactions with key figures in the STEM field, including Tobie Baker Wright from LANL and Dean Reilly, who shared insights on social connections and human engineering.

NRAO looks forward to building on the success of its participation at the New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge and continuing to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders in the state.

About NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: 

NRAO Media Contact

Corrina C. Jaramillo Feldman
Public Information Officer – New Mexico
VLA, VLBA, ngVLA
Tel: +1 505-366-7267
[email protected]

The post National Radio Astronomy Observatory Shines at New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

This International Women’s Day, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) celebrates the selection of Dr. Patricia (Trish) Henning as the next Associate Director for New Mexico Operations. In this position, she will lead the operations of the National Science Foundation’s Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), the continent-wide Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), and the Domenici Science Operations Center in Socorro. She formerly served as NRAO’s Assistant Director for New Mexico Operations and Assistant Director for Science Support and Research.

Dr. Henning’s journey to the forefront of radio astronomy began with a passion for unraveling the mysteries of the Universe. After earning her Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Maryland, she received a postdoctoral appointment at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, where she honed her expertise in the field. In 1993, Dr. Henning joined the University of New Mexico (UNM), where she was a professor of physics and astronomy, and held various leadership roles while continuing her groundbreaking research with radio telescopes.

At UNM, Dr. Henning’s leadership extended far beyond her immediate research area. As Director of the Institute for Astrophysics and Associate Vice President for Research, she played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s research agenda and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Her tenure as Head of User Programs for the Long Wavelength Array and Associate Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy showcased her commitment to advancing scientific inquiry and nurturing the next generation of astronomers. 

In her new role at NRAO, Dr. Henning is poised to lead New Mexico Operations with a vision for innovation and excellence. With oversight of prestigious facilities such as the VLA and the VLBA, she aims to keep NRAO at the forefront of astronomical research while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Although this role is new to Dr. Henning, she is no stranger to positions of leadership. When asked what effective leadership looks like, Dr. Henning responded saying, “A great leader gives people what they need to do what they do best. The higher up you are in any organization, the more people you serve. Ultimately, our common goal is serving the community and exciting the public about science and helping people make discoveries.” 

As a trailblazer in the field of radio astronomy, Dr. Henning is a staunch advocate for gender equality and diversity in STEM. Drawing from her own experiences, she underscores the importance of creating inclusive environments where all voices are heard and valued. 

“Gender equality and opportunity in STEM in general means everyone is welcome, and everyone is welcome to bring their own perspective, but it goes beyond that,” Henning emphasized. “We need everyone’s perspective. Everyone’s lived experience will impact how they solve a problem and how they come up with a creative solution no one has thought of before. Equality leads to the best science because you’re not missing out on talent because folks aren’t allowed in the room.” 

Dr. Henning was also asked what advice she would give to women considering pursuing a career in astronomy or science in general. “If you want to be in astronomy – astronomy is very exciting because I think it’s the broadest science there is. You need to know a lot about mathematics and computation, and also physics. Astronomy encompasses all subfields of physics. Gravity, radiation interacting with matter, etc… The point is that you have to know a lot about a lot of different kinds of physics which, to me, makes it fun.” “When you’re learning,” Dr. Henning continued, “you get to learn a lot of different things. You have to take the math and the physics and the astrophysics basics, but know that astronomy brings many concepts together, so be looking for the linkages. There are new discoveries all the time, so try to get in touch with brand-new discoveries and read about them. Follow up and ask questions about things that spark your interest. And when things spark your interest, get ready to dive in. Be ready to be amazed, and learn the background math and physics to be able to understand what cutting-edge astronomy really is.” 

Although the world of STEM hasn’t always been particularly inclusive or accepting, Dr. Henning says that the world has changed. “When I was first starting out, well I went to a women’s college. Before that, I was a good student, and it wasn’t until I went to college that I really thought about doing science. If I hadn’t gone to a women’s college, I’m not sure that would have been true. I saw my astronomy professor, who was a woman, and I saw her teaching and thought, ‘Maybe I can do that.’” Dr. Henning continued, “I went to grad school and it was so different and male dominated. When I was a postdoc, one of the senior astronomers at the time said ‘You have to be twice as good because you’re a woman’. I hope that’s dead. My sense is it is. I would have given you a different answer 30 years ago. There was a time where we weren’t invited into the room…where we had to kind of break down the door.” Dr. Henning believes there’s more to diversity than simply equal opportunity. “The human part – the flipside,” she said, “is that I strongly believe that the universe belongs to everybody, and no one group has a lock on the universe. We all have the right to ask the profound questions. Because that’s what astronomy is. And so gender equality just recognizes that the sky is everyone’s. We need everybody to be out there studying, being creative, working hard, and making new discoveries.” 

Dr. Patricia Henning’s appointment as Associate Director for New Mexico Operations marks a significant milestone in the annals of radio astronomy. With her visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and commitment to excellence, she is poised to inspire future generations of scientists and shape the course of astronomical discovery for years to come. 

About NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: 

NRAO Media Contact

Corrina C. Jaramillo Feldman
Public Information Officer – New Mexico
VLA, VLBA, ngVLA
Tel: +1 505-366-7267
[email protected]

The post Dr. Patricia (Trish) Henning: Leading the Way in Radio Astronomy appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.