Very Large Array, VLA, New Mexico
The Very Large Array, is a highly regarded astronomical radio observatory, consisting of 27, 82 feet wide, radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin fifty miles west of Socorro, New Mexico (about 2 hours drive from Albuquerque). With its 7,000 ft. altitude, flat featureless landscape and eerie silence, it has a rather alien beauty dominated by the powder blue New Mexico sky. That eeriness is made all the more real by signs that warn about rattlesnakes It can be startling to hear the motors fire up that move these giant antennas along their rail tracks. All in all, this is a amazing place to visit!
These photos were shot more than seven years ago with a Panasonic FZ2 digital camera, during my first visit to this amazing attraction. This is a “must-see” attraction if you ever plan to visit New Mexico.
Very Large Array, near Socorro, New Mexico
The Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescopes are massive white structures that are beautiful in form. What I also found appealing was the quality of sunlight in this area. The beautiful blue sky provide a stunning backdrop on the day I visited! That New Mexico sunlight is spectacular!
Very Large Array Radio Telescope
Very Large Array Radio Telescope, Sunburst
In this photo of a Very Large Array radio telescope, I caught the sun rays through a small opening on the outer radius of the unit. The geographical isolation and high elevation of this area makes for clear, beautiful skies that are a perfect backdrop for these white structures.
Very Large Array, New Mexico sky
The size of each Very Large Array radio telescope can be gauged by looking at the relative size of the visitors shown below the telescope. Because of its geographical isolation, this is an eerily quiet place. You do hear the soft hiss and whir of various operational devices, adding an eerie soundtrack to this very sci-fi like setting. Cool!
VLA and surrounding landscape
The Very Large Array is surrounded by mountain ranges on four sides, creating a natural barrier to radio interference from man-made sources in surrounding towns and cities. In this photo you can sense its relative distance from the surrounding mountains seen in the background.
Very Large Array & railroad car
This photo shows a Very Large Array radio telescope positioned on its rail tracks near railroad cars. The rail car is quite close to the telescope, giving you a sense of their relative scale!
Very Large Array Up Close
This photo shows a detail of the focus rotation mount of a Very Large Array radio telescope.
VLA Radio Telescope and Footpath
This photo shows an isolated Very Large Array radio telescope array against the backdrop of blue New Mexico skies. The wooden barriers guide visitors on a walking tour of the area. You are warned to be on the lookout for snakes, a good reason to stay on the well beaten path!
Along US 60 near Very Large Array
This photo shows a sample of the scenery along U.S. 60, the route to Very Large Array from Socorro, New Mexico. This is beautiful, open country! You pass small towns and Native American pueblos as you approach VLA.
Valentine Diner near Very Large Array
This photo shows a bit of Americana I discovered along U.S. 60, the route to Very Large Array from Socorro, New Mexico. This is a classic Valentine Diner, one of the iconic structures popular along the old Route 66 in its heyday. The small towns you pass contain these charming relics that make for great photo opportunities and memorable travel! -Photos by Don Peterson, Newark1 Web Design Studio.
Tags: New Mexico, Very Large Array, VLA
