Photo – Page 77 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Flying Over the VLA Wye

Looking like toys, the Very Large Array fits into this aerial shot taken over the Plains of San Agustin in New Mexico.

The VLA Wye

The center of the Y-shaped Very Large Array in central New Mexico as seen from the air. Each of these antennas is 25 meters across and weighs 230 tons.

In this aerial shot, every major facility of the Very Large Array is in view. The Y-shaped array is at top, with its 27 antennas. To its right is the large Control Building and smaller Visitor Center near the road. In the foreground is the giant Antenna Assembly Building with two Antenna Transporters to the left. And in the middle are the maintenance and testing buildings.

VLA Dwarfs Its Control Building

At around 94 feet high, the antennas of the Very Large Array in central New Mexico appear to dwarf their Control Building. The old astronomer dormitories sit at far right. They have since been demolished.

VLA Behind Control Building

At around 94 feet high, the antennas of the Very Large Array in central New Mexico appear to dwarf their Control Building. Part of the visitors’ walking tour is visible in the foreground.

The VLA Barn and its Transporters

In this aerial view taken at the Very Large Array, the Antenna Assembly Building (known as The Barn) is occupied with the 28th (spare) antenna. Another antenna sits on the Master Pad, the testing station just outside the Barn. Both of the orange Antenna Transporters are parked outside.

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