Photo – Page 75 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Indigo Skies Over the VLA

Our atmosphere is filled with water vapor whose molecules just happen to wiggle enough to emit frequencies that interfere with the waves coming from space. Radio telescopes, such as the Very Large Array seen here, are built in high, desert locations such as central New Mexico to take advantage of the thinner, drier atmosphere.

Long Distance Shot of the VLA

The view west of Magdalena, New Mexico during monsoon season. Rain pours down over the 27 antennas of the Very Large Array.

Replacing Hard Drives at the VLA in 1983

Dave Ehnebuske replaces cartridges of hard drives at the Very Large Array’s computer facility in 1983.

VLA Computer Room in 1983

Jim Torson analyzes data from the Very Large Array in its computer room in 1983.

Building a VLA Dish in the Barn

Early days at the Very Large Array in central New Mexico saw 25-meter antenna dishes under construction inside the Antenna Assembly Building while completed antennas were tested on their pads.

Aerial photo of VLA antenna and The Barn

Early Days in the VLA Barn

In the 1970s, the Very Large Array was still under construction in the New Mexico desert. In this aerial photo, a completed 25-meter antenna is being tested on the Master Pad and a headless antenna awaits a dish inside the Antenna Assembly Building.

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