Very Large Array
New Mexico
The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a prominent radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin in central New Mexico. Established in the 1970s, the VLA consists of 28 large 25-meter diameter radio telescopes, 27 of which are operational at any time, arranged in a Y-shaped configuration extending over 21 kilometers. Each antenna is mounted on railroad tracks allowing them to be repositioned to modify the array's resolution and sensitivity. This flexibility enables astronomers to study a wide range of cosmic phenomena with high angular resolution between 0.2 and 0.04 arcseconds. The VLA has contributed significantly to astronomy by observing black holes, protoplanetary disks, magnetic filaments near the Milky Way's center, and cosmological parameters of the Universe. It operates across frequencies from 74 MHz to 50 GHz and is managed by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory under the National Science Foundation. The observatory also supports large-scale sky surveys, including the ongoing VLA Sky Survey (VLASS), which aims to discover millions of new cosmic radio sources. Its unique engineering, scientific impact, and scenic location at nearly 7,000 feet elevation make the VLA a remarkable destination for science enthusiasts and visitors alike.
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Astuce: Visitors are encouraged to check the official NRAO website for tour schedules and any visitor center hours, as access may be limited or require advance booking. The best time to visit is during clear weather to appreciate the vast landscape and the impressive scale of the array. While admission is free, guided tours provide valuable insights into the observatory's operations and scientific achievements. Photography is allowed, but visitors should respect operational areas and equipment. Consider planning your visit during special events or public outreach days for enhanced experiences.
Faits intéressants
- •The VLA antennas each weigh approximately 209 metric tons and are mounted on railroad tracks allowing precise repositioning to form different array configurations.
- •The array operates as a single telescope with a variable diameter by combining signals from multiple antennas, achieving angular resolutions as fine as 0.04 arcseconds.
- •In 1989, the VLA received radio communications from the Voyager 2 spacecraft during its flyby of Neptune.
- •The VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) launched in 2017 aims to map 80% of the sky visible to the array and discover about 10 million new radio sources.
- •The VLA is located at an elevation of 6,970 feet (2,120 meters) above sea level, providing optimal conditions for radio astronomy.
Histoire
The Very Large Array was constructed in the 1970s on the Plains of San Agustin in central New Mexico, designed as a cutting-edge radio interferometer with 28 antennas.
Since its completion, it has undergone periodic reconfigurations to optimize its observational capabilities, cycling through four main configurations every 16 months.
The facility has played a crucial role in radio astronomy, including receiving signals from the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989 and conducting extensive sky surveys.
It remains a key instrument in exploring astrophysical phenomena and advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
Guide du lieu
Main Array of Antennas1970s
The core of the VLA consists of 27 large radio telescopes arranged in a Y-shaped configuration over 21 kilometers. Each antenna can be moved along railroad tracks to change the array's resolution and sensitivity, enabling diverse astronomical observations.
Pete V. Domenici Science Operations Center (DSOC)
Located in Socorro, New Mexico, the DSOC controls the VLA's operations and also manages the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), the world's largest dedicated astronomical instrument spanning from Hawaii to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Contact
Téléphone: (575) 835-7000