National Radio Astronomy Observatory Student Space Trips | Educational Destinations

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National Radio Astronomy Observatory has so much to offer!

Socorro pairs world class space attractions with student-friendly itineraries that mix learning and fun.


For Your Students

Students explore the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, one of the most famous radio telescope sites in the world, take part in hands-on workshops and connect classroom science to real space history.

Experience the Best in educational student travel.

See how ED has become the choice for trips customized to meet your needs.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Student Travel Programs and Educational Tours for Schools

Educational Destinations plans custom National Radio Astronomy Observatory trips around your ensemble and educational goals. Educational Destinations plans custom National Radio Astronomy Observatory trips around your curriculum and educational goals. Student groups explore the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, one of the most famous radio telescope sites in the world. Our travel designers build each itinerary around your curriculum, from space history to hands-on engineering labs.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Educational Opportunities

Educational opportunities at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory include explore a 25,000 ft² interactive steam museum featuring 250+ exhibits-covering physics, engineering, and hands-on experimentation, plus workshops and programs selected to match your curriculum.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Options for Students

General options for student groups in Socorro include Spaceport America Cup, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and more.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Museums for Students

Museum options in Socorro include Spaceport America Cup, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, each with dedicated student programming.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Entertaining Options for Students

Entertaining options in Socorro include ABQ Biopark, International UFO Museum and Research Center, Area 51 Museum, Alien Zone.

Why National Radio Astronomy Observatory for Student Travel?

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a top space trip destination for student groups because it offers the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, one of the most famous radio telescope sites in the world with dedicated student programming.

Explore popular National Radio Astronomy Observatory options and educational opportunities for students.

 

Educational Opportunities

  • Explore a 25,000 ft² interactive STEAM museum featuring 250+ exhibits-covering physics, engineering, and hands-on experimentation
  • Compete in the Spaceport America Cup, a Rocket-Engineering Competition for College and High School Teams
  • Join the Rocketeer Academy
  • Immersive STEM and Space Exploration Camping Themes
  • Experience the Geologic Beauty of the Gigantic Carlsbad Caverns and the Cavern's 120 Caves
  • From the Bat Flight Amphitheater, Witness the Hundreds of Thousands of Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats as they Emerge from the Caverns
  • Sled Down the White Sands of the World's Largest Gypsum Dunefield
  • Participate in Maker Workshops and Thematic Tutorials Ideal for Teens
  • Enjoy Awesome Hiking Trails, Gorgeous Overlooks, and Petroglyph National Monument Volcanoes
  • Explore Caves Built Right Into the Gila Cliff by the Mogollon Native Americans Over 700 Years Ago
  • Experience Thrilling Snowboarding and Skiing in an Iconic Alpine Ski Resort
  • Discover an Explorable and Visually Explosive Immersive Art Installation Filled with Technology
  • Enjoy the Peaks and Ridges of Taos Mountain by Horseback
  • View the Legendary Rocky Mountains from the Top of a Volcano
  • Descend Into a Lava-Lined Underworld with fascinating geology and secret ice formations
  • Camp Out Under the Stars at El Morro
  • Explore a Chain of Dormant Fissure Volcanoes, Volcano Cones, and 1,000 Images Carved by Ancestral Pueblo Peoples and Early Spanish Settlers in One of the Largest Petroglyph Sites in North America
  • Ride through Thick Forests and around Majestic Mountain Tops at an Ancestral Native Peoples Preserve
  • Squeeze Through Small Areas, Scramble Up Rocks, and Climb Beautiful Stones Formations at Canyon Trail
  • Experience Rock Climbing for All Skill Levels
  • Zipline Through the Tall Pines in the Forests
  • Take a Ride to the Skies to the Crest of the Sandia Mountain
  • After your Adventure, Relax in Hot Springs Which are Heated from a Super Volcano

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Choosing the right travel provider for your needs.

ED offers a review guide to help teachers choose the best student travel company for their students.

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The Trip Account app is offered to our groups as they travel.

Included in your trip, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.

Powerful Director Tools

Interactive Checklists, Pop Up Communications, Emergency Notifications.

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Tools for all travelers

Live Itineraries, Group Messaging, Photo Gallery and much more.

Everything you need for your next trip.

The Trip Account app is available for iPhone and Android.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Student Travel FAQs

Answers to common questions about National Radio Astronomy Observatory educational trips for students, applications, planning and costs.

What can student groups do at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory?

Student groups can explore the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, one of the most famous radio telescope sites in the world, join hands-on education programs and take part in grade-appropriate workshops. Educational Destinations builds each visit around your curriculum.

How long should a Socorro space trip last?

Most school groups spend two to four days in the area. Your travel designer can build a day trip or a full week program that combines the National Radio Astronomy Observatory with other STEM attractions.

What will students learn on a Socorro space trip?

Students connect classroom science to real space history. Programs cover radio astronomy at the Very Large Array, space science and the desert research landscape of central New Mexico.

When is the best time to visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory?

The VLA visitor center is open daily. Spring and fall offer the best desert weather.

What is included in an Educational Destinations trip?

Every trip includes custom itinerary design, transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, attraction admissions, a personal ED Tour Director with the group throughout the trip and the Trip Account app for sign-up and payments. All pricing is all-inclusive with no hidden fees.

How many chaperones should our group bring?

We recommend one chaperone for every 10 students. Educational Destinations follows your school policy and includes chaperone pricing in your custom quote.

How much does a student space trip to Socorro cost?

Pricing depends on group size, trip length, transportation and chosen activities. Educational Destinations provides an all-inclusive custom quote and offers Gift Link, a free fundraising tool that has helped groups raise more than $2,000,000 for their trips.

How do we get to Socorro?

Socorro is about one hour from Albuquerque International Sunport. Groups within driving distance often travel by motor coach. Educational Destinations arranges all transportation as part of your trip.

How far in advance should we book our trip?

Book 9 to 12 months ahead for the best rates and program availability. Spring is the busiest season for student travel.

Why choose Educational Destinations?

Educational Destinations is the first choice for student space travel, helping teachers open minds and educate students around the world with custom itineraries and a Tour Director with your group throughout the trip.

At the Teacher's Side throughout the entire trip

ED Tour Directors use their commitment and experience to ensure the trip is successful.

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