New Mexico’s Very Large Array reveals secrets of the cosmos

In early July, we returned to the Southwest for a drive across New Mexico.  

During the second day, we stopped at the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, a huge radio telescope used by scientists to study the cosmos. We had visited the facility more than a decade ago during a cross-country trip but devoted less than an hour exploring the facility. This time we set aside a full morning.

The VLA is highlighted by a series of 27 huge dish antennas, each 82 feet across, synchronized to produce enhanced images of distant planets, stars and galaxies.  

The antennas can produce differing images when moved by powerful transporters to different stations along dual railroad tracks. Rails are arranged in a Y-pattern along which the 230-ton dishes can be spaced up to 22 miles apart from the tips of the Y.  

When positioned near one another, the dishes cover a wide area of the sky, but without great detail. When widely spaced along the rails, the dishes can concentrate on a particular area of the sky and produce images with amazing detail.

Unlike optical telescopes that enhance visible light and are not useful during daylight, radio telescopes detect invisible light in the form of radio waves that can be collected both night and day. Radio waves are able to pass through gases and dust clouds that would block the view of optical telescopes. 

As a result, the dishes are able to collect information from far greater distances than optical telescopes.

Invisible light waves captured by a radio telescope are reflected from the dish to a reflector and then to a receiver that directs them via fiber optic cables to a supercomputer that generates images. Rather than look through a normal telescope eyepiece, scientists using radio telescopes study computer-generated images.  

New Mexico’s Very Large Array first began observing the skies in 1976 with two antennas, which were assembled on site. The facility became fully operational using all 27 antennas in 1981. Ten years of major upgrades to the electronics were completed in 2012.

We arrived at the VLA early on a Tuesday morning following a night in Socorro, 50 miles to the east. It was early July and daytime temperatures had been in the upper 90s, so we wanted an early start.  

Fortunately, the VLA is at a relatively high elevation of 7,000 feet and we were pleasantly surprised by a cool morning temperature upon arrival.

In the visitor center, we learned a dry climate, relatively isolated location and flat ground at a high elevation are necessary ingredients for a radio telescope.  

In addition, the VLA is surrounded by mountains that help protect it from radio waves generated outside the facility. 

Radio signals from distant sources are very weak so it is important the receivers be protected from interference caused by nearby signals. Visitors are required to switch off cell phones.

The visitor center houses exhibits and offers a 20-minute film narrated by Jodie Foster who starred in “Contact,” a 1997 movie that featured the VLA. The film does an excellent job of explaining in understandable terms how the VLA converts radio waves into visible images.

Images created by the VLA’s supercomputer are sent electronically to scientists around the world. As a result, most of the VLA’s 50 or so on-site employees are involved in maintenance rather than scientific research.  

The facility’s administrative personnel are in Socorro.

After viewing the film and exploring visitor center exhibits, we picked up a brochure and set out for a self-guiding walking tour.  

Large display boards at 15 stops along the trail offer information about the VLA including why the dishes are so large, how the antennas work and who operates the VLA. The trail’s third stop is at an elaborate sundial named for scientist Ronald Bracewell who developed mathematical techniques for synchronizing radio signals from different antennas.

After completing the walking tour, we took a short drive to the Antenna Assembly Building where maintenance is conducted on the antennas. At the time of our visit, the two huge transporters were stationed just outside the building. 

The Very Large Array offers an enjoyable and interesting learning experience. Even though we had visited previously, our morning at the facility was time well-spent. 

If you want to fire up the kids, have them watch “Contact” prior to your visit. The Jodie Foster narrated video at the VLA visitor center is available online. 

If possible schedule your visit for the first Saturday of the month, the only day guided tours are offered. 

David and Kay Scott are authors of “Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges” (Globe Pequot). Visit them at mypages.valdosta.edu/dlscott/Scott.html. Read their past columns at www.facebook.com/DavidKayScott. The Scotts live in Valdosta, Georgia.

If You Go

Getting there: The VLA is in central New Mexico, 50 miles west of Socorro via U.S. Highway 60.

Lodging and Dining: The nearest lodging and dining are in Socorro.  Bring snacks or a picnic lunch with you.

Hours: The site is open daily from 8:30 a.m. until sunset. The gift shop is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.  The site is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Cost: $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; 17 years and younger are free.

 

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