New Mexico Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

NRAO Very Large Array

Contact Info
1003 Lopezville Road
P.O. Box O
Socorro, NM 87801

Phone:
575-835-7000
Basics
Location:
50 miles west of Socorro
Type:
Monument-Building,
Museum,
Performing Arts
Elevation:
7,000 feet feet
Price:
Free

Description

Consisting of 27 radio telescopes linked together, the VLA is one of the most sensitive astronomical observation tools available to modern science. The VLA was built in the middle of the New Mexico desert to minimize outside radio interference, but the facility offers a full visitor's center and guided tours by the operational staff.

Each antenna is 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter. The data from the antennas is combined electronically to give the resolution of an antenna 36km (22 miles) across, with the sensitivity of a dish 130 meters (422 feet) in diameter.

The Visitor Center is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. A series of informative videos and exhibits introduce the science and technology behind the VLA, and a walking tour will take you to the base of one of the 230-ton antennas. From there you can climb up to the observation deck for a view of the array itself, as well as a look at a new prototype antenna.

Twice a year, a full tour is open to the public. Group tours can be scheduled throughout the year.

Hours + Fees

Hours:
8:30 am - dusk
Season:
Year-round
Price:
Free
Price Details:
Free

Amenities

Amenities:
Visitor Center

Details

Additional Details:

The Visitor Center has restrooms, water fountains, a soft-drink machine, and soft drinks, bottled water, and candy bars in the gift shop. No other food is available at the VLA site. The nearest restaurants are in Magdalena, about 25 miles to the east, and Datil, about 20 miles to the west. Many restaurants, as well as lodging, are available in Socorro, an hour''s drive from the VLA. Lodging also is available in Magdalena. Montosa RV Park is about 5 miles east of the VLA on Highway 60. Camping is also available in Datil at the Datil Well Campground, and between Magdalena and Socorro at the Water Canyon campground. There are two picnic tables located near the Whisper Gallery at the VLA, and several roadside tables along Highway 60 east of the array. If you are picnicking in your RV, please don''t use your microwave oven as it interferes with our observing.

The VLA is at an elevation of 7,000 feet. At this elevation, the weather can be considerably colder than that at lower elevations. Snow is possible at the VLA from September through May. Check weather reports before your trip. During Fall, Winter and Spring, jackets or coats usually are needed, and warm hats and gloves are advisable during the colder periods.

Feel free to take pictures of whatever you wish, but no cell phones are allowed (it interferes with the observing).

Map + Directions

Basic Directions
The VLA is located 50 miles west of Socorro on U.S. Highway 60. From U.S. 60, turn South on NM 52, then West on the VLA access road, which is well marked. Signs will point you to the Visitor Center.
Customizable Directions


Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guide below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Socorro. More Visitor Guides are available in New Mexico. Click here to view them all!

Truth or Consequences Area Truth or Consequences Area Truth or Consequences Area
Southwest New MexicoSierra County is the Oasis of the Southwest.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.