The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio telescope observatory located in New Mexico, USA. Managed by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), the observatory complex includes 28 radio antennas, each of which is 25 meters (82 ft) in diameter.
The telescopes are arranged in a Y pattern and mounted on railway tracks so they can move. They are designed to work together as a single large unit, using a technique called interferometry. By moving the telescopes, astronomers can change the telescope's angular resolution and surface brightness sensitivity.
Construction of the VLA began in 1973 and was completed in 1980. At the time, it was the largest array of radio telescopes in the world.
The facility is open throughout the year to the public, with guided tours on offer.
Stats
- Location: Socorro County, New Mexico, USA
- Coordinates: 34°04′43″N 107°37′04″W
- Altitude: 2,124 m (6,969 ft)
- Angular resolution: 120 ±80 milliarcsecond
