Congresswoman Stansbury Highlights Scientific Contributions of the Very Large Array in New Mexico
During a Science, Space and Technology subcommittee hearing, Rep. Stansbury highlighted the STEM jobs and scientific value created by the Very Large Array.
WASHINGTON – During a House Committee of Science, Space and Technology hearing this afternoon that examined the findings of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) highlighted the importance of the Very Large Array, the planned next generation Very Large Array, and the critical support the installation provides to New Mexicans through good-paying jobs, the development of new technology, and scientific advancement.
The Very Large Array is one of the world's premier astronomical radio observatories, located west of Socorro, N.M. The observatory consists of 27 radio antennas that astronomers have used to make key observations of black holes and other aspects of the cosmos. The Decadal Survey emphasizes continued support for the development of the next generation Very Large Array as priority project, which has the potential to create jobs for New Mexicans.
Rep. Stansbury’s remarks highlighted the importance of the STEM workforce pipeline that the Very Large Array creates in southern New Mexico, emphasizing the critical support that the next generation Very Large Array will create for young or aspiring STEM professionals. Rep. Stansbury also spoke to the importance of research opportunities for students and emphasis on expanding opportunities for students from all communities and identities before questioning the witness panel. Rep. Stansbury questioned Dr. Robert Kennicutt, Co-Chair of the Steering Committee for A Decadal Survey of the National Academies of Sciences.
“As we look forward to the next decade of studying space and what it can teach us about our home here on Earth, the next generation Very Large Array will help to fuel discovery, create jobs, and inspire countless New Mexico students to pursue a career in science,” said Rep. Stansbury. “The next generation Very Large Array plans to upgrade and merge the existing Array in New Mexico, and add antennas across the country, in order to increase our capacities in radio astronomy research for decades to come. And if we follow the guidance laid out in this survey, we must also ensure that space research and discovery truly reflects and benefits all our communities, across race, gender, and community lines.”
Rep. Stansbury continued by questioning Dr. Kennicutt on the scientific discoveries that may be advanced by the next generation Very Large Array. “I’m very interested in the survey’s recommendations for the next generation VLA. I’m wondering if you can talk to us a little bit about the significance of the expansions of this network, and also some of the scientific discoveries that may be advanced by this facility?”
Kennicutt responded, stating, “This telescope will be transformational for radio astronomy – it will have anywhere from 10 to 100 times the scientific power of sensitivity of the current VLA. The kinds of science it will enable is… we’ve talked about imaging planets around other stars, and in the radio wavelengths, you can image planetary systems – planets in the process of formation. Actually, in the proposal, its envisage, by taking radio images over time, you will actually be able to watch the development, motions, planet formation literally in action.”