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Observations at radio wavelengths address some of the most fundamental questions in astrophysics. The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, the Dark Ages before the onset of the first stars or galaxies, the baryonic and dark-matter content of proto-galaxies, the process of reionization of the universe by galaxies, and the earliest stages of star and planet formation are all observed using radio techniques. Navigating through all of NRAO's information on these topics can be challenging, so if you need some help, you've come to the right place.

Use the following four steps to find the information you're looking for. If you still can't find what you need, then please Contact Us.

Step 1: Browse our Most Popular Resources

• Astronomy News Releases - Concerned about an impending galactic event, or interested in the latest scientific discoveries? Consult the News Center first.
• What is Radio Astronomy? - Are you interested in how radio astronomy and our telescopes work? The resources in this section explain the fundamental concepts that drive radio astronomy science and instrumentation, the history of the field, and phenomena such as Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) that impact our ability to make discoveries.
• Essential Radio Astronomy - This online course, developed by two NRAO scientists, provides a survey of critical topics in radio astronomy at the graduate or advanced undergraduate level.

Step 2: Search the Site

The best way to find basic information about NRAO or our services is to search the top levels of the site. You can do that here or on the home page: [put joomla search box here]

If you are looking for more detailed information, try the Google search below which also provides access to NRAO's past and present technical notes, external wikis, and subdomains. Be aware that some of this information might be historical in nature (that is, not current):

WWW Search nrao.edu

Step 3: Ask Education & Public Outreach (EPO) Staff

Do you have a question about astronomy news, educational opportunities, tours, visits, or special programs? Or, are you a member of the press looking for additional information? If so, please contact the NRAO Office of Education and Public Outreach through its Press Contacts listed in the blue box to the right.

Step 4: Ask an Astronomer

Do you have questions about how the universe works, or where to find a scientific resource? If so, ask an Astronomer! Many people are curious about the planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, quasars, etc. Please send your question to us from the form at our Ask an Astronomer page, and one of our Astronomers will answer your question as best as he or she can, and as soon as possible.