Image Contest Celebrates VLA 40th Anniversary

Dave Finley
National Radio Astronomy Observatory

As part of our celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is conducting an image contest with cash prizes. Eligible entries include radio images, multiwavelength composite images, animations, data visualizations, 3-D models, and others. All entries must include radio data obtained with the VLA.

The First Prize winner will receive $1,000, Second Prize $500, and Third Prize $250. Honorable Mentions will receive $100 each. The deadline for submission is 18 September 2020.

Entries become the property of NRAO and Associated Universities, Inc., and may be used for publications, social media posts, the NRAO Image Gallery, and other purposes. Images with high visual impact that makes them compelling for public audiences are particularly sought. They will be made available to scientists, students, educators, news media, and the general public. Judging criteria include aesthetics, artistic merit, originality, scientific accuracy, and scientific significance.

Contest Rules & Submission Requirements

The VLA was dedicated in a ceremony on 10 October 1980. In-person celebrations have been postponed to 2021 because of COVID-19, but a number of online events will mark the anniversary later this year.

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