Very Large Array - Radio Telescope

The Very Large Array is a radio telescope run by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The NRAO is headquartered in Virginia and operates multiple sites in that state in addition to sites in West Virginia, Arizona and New Mexico.

Radio Astronomy is the study of celestial objects that emit radio waves. With the Very Large Array, astronomers can study objects as large and close as our own sun to distant galaxies at the far reaches of the observable universe. As the radio waves travel great distances they become weaker so large telescopes are required to gather those weak signals. Computers are then required to turn those signals into numbers so the data can be analyzed. The Very Large Array consists of 27 radio telescope antennae arranged in a Y formation. Each antenna has a diameter of 25 meters and weighs 230 tons. The antennae can be arranged into different configurations along the Y-axis depending on the celestial objects being studied. Four main configurations are used from grouping them very tight to spreading them out to their farthest-reaching points. When the antennae are at the longest line they stretch for 22 miles. The Very Large Array is one of the most powerful radio telescopes because of the combination of high resolution and high sensitivity afforded by the use of multiple antennae.

The Very Large Array is located in the central western part of New Mexico on Highway 60, approximately 44 miles west of Socorro. It is here because of the area's distance from large cities and the resulting radio emissions from technology. The surrounding mountains and hills also provide a buffer.

The Very Large Array was featured in the movie Contact as the setting where the transmissions where first "heard" by Jodie Foster's character setting the scene for the movie and the intelligent information contained within those transmissions. The VLA was also featured in the Movies 2010, The Arrival and at the beginning of Independence Day. The VLA captures the imagination of many as a potential site to detect the presence of intelligent beings from other worlds. This SETI or Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is a serious branch of astronomy science but the VLA utilizes the 27 radio telescopes and the high resolution of the array for a multitude of scientific research other than SETI activity popularized in movies. Visiting scientists from around the world come to the VLA to study many different types of astronomical objects.

The VLA is open to visitors year round during the daytime hours. There is small gift shop and a very nice walking tour to get up close to select antennae. There isn't much around the area in the way of civilization or places to eat, so come prepared. If you are a space enthusiast, it is a trip well worth the drive.