Over the weekend we also visited a very unusual site called the Very Large Array, an astronomical radio observatory. There are 27 antennas spread out over the desert about 50 miles from Socorro. It is definitely in the middle of nowhere. Each antenna is 82 feet and they weigh 230 tons. Our tax dollars are at work here with the initial cost being 73 million dollars. It was dedicated in 1980.
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| Scientist monitoring all the antennas |
There are 12 guided tours each year that tour the control center. We were lucky and happened to be there for one of them. We were told that radio astronomy is the study of celestial objects that emit radio waves. With radio astronomy, scientists are able to study astronomical phenomena that are often invisible in other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. They can also probe the “Dark Ages” before the onset of the first stars or galaxies, and study the earliest generation of galaxies.
You can also take a self guided tour at any time. The control center, however, can only be seen on the guided tours (first Saturday of the month). We were able to ask the scientist questions for only five minutes. However, I am not sure I understood his answers. :) They speak a different language here.
Radio astronomers from all over the world analyze and explore the black holes that live at the hearts of most galaxies. These antennas can process 380 billion bits of information every second. Whew, that is a whole lot of data. Scientist propose and bid for permission to use the antennas. Sometimes they only can use them for a few days or hours or for several months.
The antennas move along railroad tracks and can be arranged in four different configurations. Currently they are in the D configuration (darn close together) and they are studying a project involving the sun. They change positions about every four months or so.
It was worth the effort to visit this strange and unusual place.
Yes it is indeed a place to visit.
ReplyDeleteDon't miss Gila Hot Springs,Carlsbad Cavers,Roosevelt (UFO)and White sand National Monument.
Have a great winter.
Interesting place. I suppose they are maybe listening for aliens from outer space? Hope they don't pick up some of today's TV shows as they may think they've found them!
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