The Very Large Array is a complex of 27 radio telescopes. Each radio telescope has an 82-ft diameter and is pointed towards the sky. In pop culture, they are best known for their appearance in numerous successful science fiction films and for being used by the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Life) program to try to “listen” to intelligent life in space.
These radio telescopes seen from above form a big Y and are definitely a special destination for those who want to discover a hidden corner of New Mexico and take home an original souvenir photo.
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Location and Directions
The Very Large Array observatory is located about 50 minutes by car from the small city called Socorro and two hours from Albuquerque. There is no real physical address, so if you want to go to this place and you are using a GPS, be sure to enter these coordinates.
If you don’t have time to visit it, some radio telescopes are perfectly visible from US-60, where there is also a dedicated rest area that will allow you to photograph the radio telescopes safely and then resume your trip.
Schedules and Tickets
The Very Large Array is open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm every day of the week. Admission to the facility costs $ 6 for adults while kids up to 17 years old get in for free and for seniors (65+) it costs $ 5. There is also a gift shop that is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Tours
In addition to the exhibits that explain the importance of the Very Large Array radio telescopes, you can take part in various tours of the area.
On the first and third Saturdays of each month, VLA staff and volunteers make themselves available for tours that include behind-the-scenes looks at the process of collecting the information received from the radio telescopes. Tours leave at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. To participate, simply show up at the visitor center 30 minutes before the tour start time. The duration of these tours is approximately 50 minutes. Any changes in times and rules can be viewed on the official website.
It is also possible to take tours on your own of the area by following the marked route and the directions provided at the visitor center.
Points of Interest
At the visitor center, there is an educational area with exhibits relevant to the research work that is done in this place. In a section of the visitor center, you can also watch a documentary that traces the history of the Very Large Array narrated by the voice of Jodie Foster.
Obviously, the main (and only) attraction is the series of imposing radio telescopes that form a unique panorama. If your itinerary allows it, I suggest that you try to visit this area at sunset when the colors on these radio telescopes help to create a surreal and fascinating atmosphere.
If you intend to visit the facility you must make sure to turn off your cell phones and electronic devices. If you need your cell phone to take pictures, you are allowed to turn on your phone and activate airplane mode, take the picture, and then immediately turn off your phone.
A final and important recommendation is that visitors must look out for snakes. Unfortunately, there is a higher probability to find one in this area.
Very Large Array in Pop Culture
As I mentioned earlier, the Very Large Array has been used as a location for many science fiction films. Some of the most successful movies include Contact, Independence Day, and Terminator Salvation. The New Jersey band Bon Jovi also chose this place as the background for the famous music video of “Everyday” and as the cover of the Bounce album.
Where to Stay in the Area
As I said at the beginning of the article, the closest city is Socorro, which can be taken into consideration as a reference point when you are visiting the Very Large Array. The nearest major city is Albuquerque and you can check the hotel selection in the area by clicking on the link below.
