Very Long Baseline Array

Definition

The Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) is a system of ten radio telescopes located across the United States, used for high-resolution astronomical observations. It operates by combining signals from each telescope to simulate a single, much larger telescope through a technique called interferometry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The VLBA has ten antennas spread over thousands of kilometers, from Hawaii to the Virgin Islands.
2. It uses Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) to achieve high angular resolution.
3. The VLBA can observe at multiple radio frequencies ranging from 0.3 GHz to 86 GHz.
4. It is operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO).
5. Key scientific contributions include measuring Earth’s tectonic motions and studying distant quasars.

Review Questions

Related terms

Interferometry:

A technique that combines signals from multiple telescopes to improve resolution.

Radio Telescope:

An astronomical instrument that detects radio waves from space.

Quasar:

A highly luminous and distant active galactic nucleus powered by a supermassive black hole.