Coolness Page: Astronomy: VLA

This page is about one of the most impressive Radio Telescope
Observatories in the world. It is featured in the memorable film "Contact"
but is not often used in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence...

see also the Coolness Pages about the Arecibo observatory in Puerto Rico,
about the Jodrell Bank observatory in England,
about Parkes observatory in Australia and about Seti...
or go back to the Coolness Page...

The Very Large Array Radio Telescope

The VLA consists of 27 antennas arranged in a huge Y pattern up to 36 km across.

The construction of the VLA started in April 1973 and was completed in January 1981 for
a total cost of $78,578,000 (in 1972 dollars). It is located in the Plains of San Agustin,
west of Socorro, New Mexico, latitude = 34° 04' 43.497" north, longitude = 107° 37' 03.819"
west, elevation = 2124 m. Each antenna is 25 m. in diameter and weighs 230 tons.

The antennas are combined electronically to give the resolution of an antenna
36 km across, with the sensitivity of a dish 130 meters in diameter.

There are four configurations: A array, with a maximum antenna separation of 36km;
B array -- 10km; C array -- 3.6km; and D array -- 1km. The telescopes are switched
between these configurations every four months or so.

The antennas configured in their closest array possible.

What You'll See at the VLA when you visit (it's open to anyone):

This brick-and-tile sign greets you as you enter the grounds of the VLA.

The Visitor Center is the first building you encounter after entering the grounds.

The self-guided walking tour takes you along a clearly-marked
path, here leading toward one of the 230-ton dish antennas.

The walking path takes you right up close to this antenna.
A scene from the movie Contact was shot at this location.

Kids (and adults too!) will enjoy trying out the "Whisper Gallery,"
which illustrates how parabolic dishes concentrate energy.

The visitors' balcony on the VLA Control Building
offers an excellent view of the center of the Array.

A pair of sheltered picnic tables is available for your use.
They were built by the New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors.

The center of the VLA, with the antennas in close configuration.

Overall view of the VLA, looking South.

The VLA, with Tres Montosas in the background.

Twilight on the VLA, looking Southwest.

Aerial photo

More information on the VLA home page.


see also the Coolness Pages about the Arecibo observatory in Puerto Rico,
about the Jodrell Bank observatory in England,
about Parkes observatory in Australia and about Seti...
or go back to the Coolness Page...