Very Large Array
The Very Large Array consists of 27 radio antennas and is one of the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories. The Very Large Array stands in the plains of San Agustin fifty miles west of Socorro in the middle of nowhere.
Each antenna is 82 feet in diameter. They are arranged in Y-shape.
The VLA is subject of many pop cultural publications.
- 1984 in the movie “2010 – The Year We Make Contact”
- 1997 in the movie “Contact” with Jodie Foster
- 2009 in the movie “Terminator Salvation”
- 2011 Cover “Carbon Based Lifeforms”
- 1993 Cover Dire Straits Live “On the night” + Encore°
- 2005 in the comic “GI Joe: America’s Elite”
| Name of the Roadside Attraction: | Very Large Array |
| Parking: | yes, several parking spots |
| Time required: | 1-2 hours |
| Descripton: | Arrangement of many radio telescopes in the New Mexico desert |
| Next town: | Socorro, NM |
| Findable: | easy - next to the road |
| Fee area: | yes - check on website |
| Giftshop: | yes |
| Food or drinks: | yes (Snacks) |
| Kind of attraction: | Roadside / Museum |
| Best time to vistit: | all year (closed on bank holidays) |
| Address: | Very Large Array Socorro, New Mexico 87825, USA |
| Directions: | From Albuquerque take I-25 South. In Socorro exit the Interstate on Highway 60 West. Follow for 50 miles. |
| Opening Hours: | 8;30 to sunset daily /Tours: Check website |
| Last visited: | May 2013 |
