description Very Large Array Overview
The Very Large Array is a ground-based radio telescope facility situated in New Mexico. It utilizes twenty-seven large antennas forming an array to create a high-resolution interferometer. This allows scientists to study celestial objects emitting radio waves, primarily for research in astrophysics and cosmology. The observatory is operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and serves astronomers globally investigating phenomena like pulsars, quasars, and galactic evolution.
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Very Large Array ranks #49 of 279 in the Observatory ranking, behind Catalina Sky Survey, ahead of Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
help Very Large Array FAQ
Where is the Very Large Array (VLA) located?
The VLA is a massive ground-based radio telescope facility located on the Plains of San Agustin in central New Mexico. The facility sits at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, far away from major sources of human-made radio interference.
How many antennas make up the Very Large Array interferometer?
The facility utilizes twenty-seven large, 25-meter radio antennas that work together as a single high-resolution interferometer. These dishes are arranged in a massive Y-shaped configuration, with the arms of the Y stretching up to 13 miles across.
Can the public visit the Very Large Array in New Mexico?
Yes, the Very Large Array operates a public visitor center that is open year-round, allowing tourists to view the massive antennas up close. The site was also famously featured in the 1997 film Contact, starring Jodie Foster, which significantly boosted its public profile.
Who operates the Very Large Array telescope?
The observatory is operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and funded by the National Science Foundation. In 2012, the telescope was officially renamed the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array following a major electronics upgrade.
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