United States Very Large Array

4 images 1 contributors Shoot with care

Angelika Vieth

Shoot with care
The Very Large Array (VLA) is one of the world's most sensitive radio receiving systems. In order to perform its scientific mission, the VLA must be able to receive and process extremely faint radio waves coming from objects in space. The VLA is sensitive to radio signals many billions of times fainter than those in communication systems. Thus, any device that incorporates a microprocessor can potentially cause harmful interference to the VLA. While photography is allowed, *all* electronics must be turned off when not in use. Photography is only allowed during the designated self-guided walking tour. Any other photography (i.e. photography from anywhere other than the designated walking-tour path and/or outside of the visiting hours) is considered "commercial" and requires advance approval, coordinating with NRAO staff, and payment of fees.

The VLA is located at a remote, high-altitude (7,000 feet) desert site. The location is hazardous and includes such dangers as: thin air, cold, heat, wind, lightning and rattlesnakes. Reception is spotty for several square miles around the VLA (if there is any at all) and emergency assistance is 1-2 hours away.

About this spot
The VLA is a radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin in central New Mexico. Made famous by the 1997 movie Contact, the VLA comprises 28 giant dish antennas that are arranged in a Y-shaped formation. Data is used to map large-scale structure of gas and molecular clouds and pinpoint ejections of plasma from supermassive black holes.

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Essential Information

Web links

https://public.nrao.edu/visit/very-large-array/


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