Photo – Page 77 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

VLA in Formation

No other radio telescope on Earth has the power and versatility of the Very Large Array in New Mexico. All 27 antennas of the array work in unison to collect radio waves streaming across space from a myriad of fascinating objects that are invisible to other kinds of telescopes.

The VLA Wye in D Configuration

Looking down the north arm of the Y-shaped Very Large Array in New Mexico.

The Backs of the VLA Dishes

The Very Large Array antennas dip in formation to observe a target in the southwest sky. Radio telescopes can observe day or night.

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.

Aerial Over the VLA Site

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.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
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