The Very Large Array (VLA) is one of the world's premier astronomical radio observatories. The VLA consists of 27 antennas arranged in a huge Y pattern up to 36 km (22 miles) across -- roughly one and a half times the size of Washington, DC.

Each antenna is 25 meters (81 feet) in diameter; they are combined electronically to give the resolution of an antenna 36 km (22 miles) across, with the sensitivity of a dish 130 meters (422 feet) in diameter.

Weather warning The VLA is at an elevation of 7,000 feet (2,133 m). At this elevation, the weather can be considerably colder than that at lower elevations. Snow is possible at the VLA from September through May. Check weather reports before your trip. During Fall, Winter and Spring, jackets or coats usually are needed, and warm hats and gloves are advisable during the colder periods.

In 1997, the VLA played a major role in the Robert Zemeckis science fiction movie Contact, starring Jodie Foster.

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There's an unatended visitor center that provides some information about the VLA. A short movie, starting automatically, introduces you to the facility. After that, you're welcome to take one of the flyers that lead you on the self-guided walking tour. This short round trip first takes you to one of the antennas. Although the individual antenna is not very big (81 ft / 25 m in diameter), the combined array of 27 antennas provide the sesitivity of a 422 ft / 130 m dish while maintaining the resolution of a huge 22 miles / 36 km antenna!

The trail then leads to an evelated platform on one of the buildings. This platform provides a great view. of the antenna cluster. Although there are several buildings near the trail, none of them is open to the public. After all, this is a working facility where some serious research is in progress.

After returning to the visitor center, you may drive a bit further into the facility to view the antenna assembly building. In this building, the antennas were initially built. Now, it's used to do maintenance and repair tasks on these antennas.

My pictures of the VLA