10/13/2025
This morning, we woke up in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, the final destination of our 5-day journey. We had scheduled a tour at the Very Large Array in Socorro, which we were all eagerly anticipating. Commonly referred to as the VLA, it is a powerful telescope that continuously observes the universe. Comprising 27 dish-shaped antennas, the VLA is tuned to detect invisible light in the form of radio waves, revealing previously unseen celestial activities. Each 82-foot-wide dish is constructed from aluminum panels fitted onto a steel basket, with motorized drives enabling precise steering. The collected data is transmitted to a supercomputer, which mathematically merges the views from each antenna, effectively creating a single powerful telescope. By adjusting the distance between the antennas, the VLA's science capabilities can be modified every four months, allowing for transportation and relocation of each 230-ton antenna to one of 72 positions along the y-shaped railroad tracks. Visiting the VLA provides a unique perspective on the universe. We received a comprehensive tour, and the astronomers provided detailed explanations, answering all our questions. This experience was an excellent conclusion to our trip.
