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Very Large Array

Very Large Array

The Very Large Array (VLA) is one of the world's premier radio telescope observatories, consisting of 27 massive antennas arranged in a Y-shaped configuration across the Plains of San Agustin in New Mexico.

Very Large Array

The Very Large Array (VLA) stands as one of humanity's most powerful windows into the radio astronomy universe, representing a masterpiece of scientific engineering and astronomical innovation.

Physical Structure

The observatory consists of:

  • 27 identical radio antennas
  • Each antenna weighs 230 tons and measures 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter
  • Arranged in a distinctive Y-shaped pattern
  • Spans up to 36 kilometers (22 miles) across when fully extended
  • Located at an elevation of 2,100 meters (6,970 feet) in Socorro, New Mexico

The antennas can be physically relocated along railroad tracks to form different array configurations, allowing astronomers to adjust the telescope's resolution and field of view.

Scientific Capabilities

The VLA excels at observing:

Its unique configuration allows it to achieve the resolution of a single telescope up to 36km in diameter through a technique called interferometry.

Historical Impact

Since its dedication in 1980, the VLA has:

Cultural Significance

The VLA has captured public imagination and appeared in various media:

  • Featured in Carl Sagan's "Cosmos"
  • Appeared in the film "Contact" (1997)
  • Serves as an iconic symbol of modern astronomy
  • Attracts thousands of visitors annually to its Visitor Center

Recent Developments

The facility underwent a major upgrade from 2001-2012, dubbed the Expanded VLA (EVLA) project, which:

  • Enhanced sensitivity
  • Increased bandwidth
  • Improved signal processing capabilities
  • Enabled new types of astronomical observations

Operation and Management

The VLA is:

The facility continues to be at the forefront of radio astronomy, making new discoveries and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos.