Radio astronomy: new windows on the Universe

The author presents a review of the achievements and technological developments in the field of radioastronomy. Emphasis is placed on the work done at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which is based at Socorro, New Mexico, USA. One of their principle instruments is the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The author describes research topics which range from interstellar molecules, the microwave background and imaging of extragalactic objects. Instruments that are being developed for future use include mm wave instruments and orbiting interferometers.>