The American Observatory finds a new name

One of the most famous astronomical stations in the world is organizing a contest to find new and more appropriate names.

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According to the BBC , the managers of the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico state, the US wants people to contribute ideas about a new name, on the occasion of completing an electronic system upgrade.

VLA Observatory, USA. (Photo: SPL)

Radio VLA was built in the 1970s and the electronic system specialized in collecting and processing radio signals of radio stations is outdated. Over three decades of existence, VLA has helped to detect many galaxies, meteorites and black holes in the universe.

The Radio Astronomical Observatory (NRAO), which runs VLA over the past decade, upgraded this observatory with a modern digital system, a new central computer and high-speed transmission lines. . This upgrade helps VLA to receive radio signals from the air space 10 times faster than before.

While astronomical names in the world are mostly descriptive and less creative, NRAO wants to take this opportunity to take advantage of the creativity of the community to find a more suitable name for VLA.

"We want a name that reflects the new position of VLA. The new name needs to clearly show the leading role of VLA in the future of astronomy, while honoring past achievements , " said Fred. Lo, NRAO director said.

The contest named for VLA is hosted on its own website and will last until 1/12. The winner's name will be announced at the American Astronomical Society conference in January next year.