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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T
SPONSOR Anderson
ORIGINAL DATE
LAST UPDATED
02/01/08
HM 18
SHORT TITLE VLA, In Recognition
SB
ANALYST Padilla
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
House Memorial 18 recognizes the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s very large array
radio telescope for its prominence in the field f astronomy and for its contributions toward the
advancement of scientific knowledge. Copies of this Memorial are to be transmitted to the
Directors of the National Science Foundation and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES
HM 18 states that:
•
The very large array radio telescope, situated outside of Socorro, New Mexico, is one of
the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories.
•
The very large array radio telescope is an exceedingly powerful scientific instrument,
which has transformed many areas of astronomy in its years of operation.
•
The array operations center is located on the campus of the New Mexico Institute of
mining and technology, which also provides scientific, engineering, technical computer
and support staff for the very large array radio telescope as well as the very long baseline
array radio telescope.
•
The telescope has a long history in New Mexico, having been approved by congress in
1972, constructed between 1973 and 1980 and dedicated in 1980.
•
The large array radio telescope in New Mexico is still the most productive astronomical
instrument on earth.
•
The data collected from the 27 antennas of the telescope are combined electronically to
give the resolution of an antenna twenty-two miles across, with the sensitivity of a dish
four hundred twenty-two feet in diameter.
•
The telescope is used by astronomers from around the world to conduct fundamental
research on the nature of the universe and to seek answers to some of the biggest
questions, such as how the universe began, how big is it how old is it and how will it end.
•
The telescope is used for atmospheric and weather studies, satellite tracking and other
miscellaneous scientific procedures.
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House Memorial 18 – Page
2
•
The very large array radio telescope is of economic benefit to New Mexico, in that it
employees up to a hundred people on any given day, who work to keep the telescope in
good working condition.
•
The popular award-winning movie “Contact" was filed in part at the very large array
radio telescope, which increased tourism to the area and has further supported the local
economy.
•
The National Radio Astronomy Astronomy Observatory operating the very large array
radio telescope is a facility of the National Science Foundation, which is operated under
cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL
The consequences of not enacting this bill result in lack recognition by the State of New Mexico
for the National Radio Observatory’s very large array radio telescope and for its prominence in
the field of astronomy and for its contributions toward the advancement of scientific knowledge.
JRP/bb