A Large Array in New Mexico

Did you know that in the middle of nowhere, New Mexico there is a Very Large Array? One that you can visit – and even use. Now if you are like me, your first question is an array of what?

If you were to look up the definition of an Array, it becomes about as clear as mud. It could mean to dress or decorate in impressive attire. Or a range of topics, or to arrange things in a particular order, such as solar panels to provide the most benefit. An array could be a data structure consisting of a collection of elements. From there, it becomes a very mathematical concept that will cause your head to spin.

When Hubby told Kiddo we would be driving by an Array, and did he want to stop for a tour, Kiddo became very excited. I asked him what an array was, and he kept saying “You know, it’s an array.” Now that we’ve visited the Very Large Array in the middle of nowhere, I still don’t understand why it’s called an array. No matter, it was an amazing experience.

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array is a wavelength radio astronomy observatory built in the 1970s. It lies between the villages of Magdalena (population 800) and Datil (population 50), so it truly is in the middle of nowhere. Built on the plains of New Mexico, the observatory is at an elevation of 6,970 feet. The surrounding mountains are made mainly of iron deposits, acting as natural barriers to the radio waves of our creation that bombard us every day. This makes the observatory ideal for listening to the sounds of outer space, even beyond our own galaxy. Would you like to use the facility? You can. All you need to do is write a scientific proposal as to what it is you plan to prove by listening to the vastness of space. If your idea is approved you will be contacted as when you have been scheduled for your experiment. After that, you have 1 year to publish your findings in a reputable scientific publication. That’s it – piece of cake – right? Or you could settle for a visit. Tours can be guided by one of the scientists (fascinating wealth of information) or self-guided if all you wish to do is look around. Either way, bring water, sun screen and comfortable shoes.

I do hope you have enjoyed our little treck across America. One more day on the road, and we’ll be home again.