Observatory
NRAO Very Large Array, located on the Plains of San Agustin 50 miles west of Socorro in central New Mexico, is one of the world's most powerful radio astronomy observatories operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory since the 1970s, featuring 27 massive 25-meter (82-foot) dish antennas arranged in a Y-shaped configuration on railroad tracks for reconfiguration into four main array sizes every few months to balance resolution and sensitivity.
Each 230-ton antenna captures centimeter-wavelength signals from 74 MHz to 50 GHz, combining data electronically to simulate a single telescope up to 36 km wide for studying black holes, protoplanetary disks, gas motions in the Milky Way, and cosmological parameters, with upgrades completed in 2012 enhancing its capabilities.
Visitors access a free visitor center with exhibits, films, a gift shop, and self-guided paths for close-up views of the antennas against the high-desert backdrop at 6,970 feet elevation, open daily except holidays and drawing astronomy enthusiasts for its sci-fi-like setup featured in films like Contact.
| Phone | +1 575-835-7000 |
| Address | Old Hwy 60, Magdalena, NM 87825, United States |
| Built | 1973–1981 |
NRAO Very Large Array is located in New Mexico, United States.
NRAO Very Large Array is situated in the state of New Mexico.
The main phone number for the NRAO Very Large Array is +1 575-835-7000.
The address of NRAO Very Large Array is Old Hwy 60, Magdalena, NM 87825, United States.
Yes, NRAO Very Large Array is family-friendly and attracts visitors of all age groups.
Visitors usually spend a few hours to a full day exploring NRAO Very Large Array.
Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near NRAO Very Large Array in New Mexico.
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