VLA’s Miles of Old Tracks

Home
Gallery
VLA’s Miles of Old Tracks

Over 80 miles of train track, re-purposed from old, discontinued rail lines around the United States, allow the Very Large Array to be reconfigured. Throughout the year, the antennas are carried on the backs of one of two Transporters and hauled along these tracks to a new powered pad. Changing the size of the array changes how much detail it can see.

Credit: T. Burchell, NRAO/AUI/NSF

Facebook

Twitter

Radio Telescopes and Technology VLA

Image of the Week

Download Image

Hi-Res Full-Size	1920 x 1275	2 MB
Screensize File	1024 x 680

Media Use Policy

VLA’s Miles of Old Tracks

Other Things You Might Like

More Radio Telescopes and Technology Images & Videos

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the 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.
	The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.