National Radio Astronomy Observatory VLA

The Very Large Array (VLA), one of the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories, consists of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin fifty miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. Each antenna is 82 feet in diameter. The data from all 27 antennas is combined electronically to give the resolution of one large antenna 22 miles across.

Galaxy M51 – Image courtesy of NRAO/AUI

Galaxy M81 – Image courtesy of NRAO/AUI

So what do they do with such a large antenna? They look deep into outer space of course: (Left) Three separate sets of observations are involved in this composite image of the spiral galaxy M51, also known as the “Whirlpool Galaxy”. (Right) The galaxy M81 is a spiral galaxy about 11 million light-years from Earth. It is about 50,000 light-years across

There is a short self-guided walking tour that does bring you within a few arms reach of one of these massive dishes. I was lucky enough to be there when all 27 dishes repositioned in a slow, humming, synchronous ballet. It took a few seconds to realize what was happening, something akin to 27 white giants slowly rolling over in their sleep.

Although there is little out here in terms of entertainment (I had to remind myself, this is not a park) and it was an hour’s drive from Sorocco, I’m happy I made the drive out. I’ve felt like I am missing something every time I pass by, and now I have gotten to see them.