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Dishes of the Very Large Array reach toward the sky, scanning the cosmos for whispers from the universe’s most distant corners.

🌌🔭Listening to the Universe: A Visit to New Mexico’s Very Large Array

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Discover New Mexico’s Very Large Array (VLA)—a world-class radio telescope where science meets silence. Learn how to visit, what to expect, and why this cosmic listening post is worth the detour.

Tucked away in the windswept high desert of central New Mexico, where jackrabbits outnumber people and the silence stretches for miles, you’ll find a place that looks like it beamed in from a sci-fi film set—but it’s very real, and very extraordinary. This is the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), a sprawling ensemble of twenty-seven massive white radio dishes—each one 82 feet across—poised like cosmic sunflowers on the Plains of San Agustin. Together, they rotate in silent choreography, scanning the skies for the faintest whispers from deep space.

Operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the VLA is one of the most advanced radio telescopes on the planet. It’s a place where cutting-edge astrophysics meets the stark, surreal beauty of the desert Southwest—a destination that should be on your radar if you’re planning a trip through the area.

To help you make the most of your own adventure to this mind-bending marvel in the heart of New Mexico, here are a few tips I picked up along the way.

Now Entering: One of Earth’s Best Ears on the Universe This official sign marks your arrival at the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array—an iconic site for radio astronomy and one of the most powerful tools we have for exploring the invisible universe. Beyond this point, it’s all big skies, bigger science, and a whole lot of curiosity.
Now Entering: One of Earth’s Best Ears on the Universe. This official sign marks your arrival at the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array—an iconic site for radio astronomy and one of the most powerful tools we have for exploring the invisible universe.
Dishes of the Very Large Array reach toward the sky, scanning the cosmos for whispers from the universe’s most distant corners.
Dishes of the Very Large Array reach toward the sky, scanning the cosmos for whispers from the universe’s most distant corners.

What Exactly Is the Very Large Array?

Let’s start with the basics. The Very Large Array (VLA) isn’t your typical telescope—it doesn’t capture visible light like the kind you might point at the moon from your backyard. Instead, it “listens” to the universe, detecting radio waves emitted by some of the most exotic characters in the cosmos: quasars, pulsars, black holes, and galaxies so far away that their signals have been traveling for billions of years just to reach us. Think of it as humanity’s high-tech attempt to eavesdrop on the universe’s most fascinating gossip.

Here’s how it works: the VLA is made up of 27 massive radio antennas, each one 82 feet across, spread out in a giant Y-shaped formation on the Plains of San Agustin. These antennas aren’t locked in place—they roll along railroad tracks so the configuration can be adjusted. When fully extended, the array spans over 22 miles, giving it the resolution of a telescope with an unimaginably huge lens. To put it in perspective, the VLA can detect something as small as a golf ball in Los Angeles—from New York City. Not bad for a bunch of antennas in the desert.

The magic behind this mind-blowing resolution comes from a technique called interferometry. It allows astronomers to combine signals from all 27 dishes into one unified image, effectively turning the array into a single, super-sensitive ear trained on the sky. It’s like having 27 people all listening for the same barely audible whisper, then teaming up to decode what was said. Clever? Absolutely. And in this vast, windswept landscape, where silence reigns supreme, it’s the perfect place to tune in to the secrets of the cosmos.

Steel tracks cut across the high desert, guiding the VLA’s towering antennas into place—because when you’re trying to eavesdrop on black holes and baby galaxies, positioning matters.
Steel tracks cut across the high desert, guiding the VLA’s towering antennas into place—because when you’re trying to eavesdrop on black holes and baby galaxies, positioning matters.
At the VLA, each 230-ton dish rolls across 39 miles of track like a giant chess piece in a cosmic strategy game. Thanks to a custom-built rail system and some serious engineering muscle, scientists can reposition antennas with stunning precision—because when you're listening for signals from across the universe, every inch counts.
At the VLA, each 230-ton dish rolls across 39 miles of rail track like a giant chess piece in a cosmic strategy game.

Each of the 27 antennas (plus one spare) might look like it’s doing its own thing, but behind the scenes, they’re operating in perfect harmony. Through precise coordination, signals from all 27 dishes are combined to create a single, high-resolution image of the universe—proof that teamwork really does make the dream work, even at the scale of galaxies.
Each of the 27 antennas (plus one spare) might look like it’s doing its own thing, but behind the scenes, they’re operating in perfect harmony. Through precise coordination, signals from all 27 dishes are combined to create a single, high-resolution image of the universe—proof that teamwork really does make the dream work, even at the scale of galaxies.

How It All Began: From Static to Stargazing

The Very Large Array’s story starts in the 1970s—a golden age of scientific ambition, moon missions, and shag carpeting. Construction broke ground in 1973, and by 1980, the VLA was officially up and running. It was named after Karl G. Jansky, a Bell Labs engineer who—while trying to clean up transatlantic phone calls in the 1930s—accidentally discovered something far more interesting: radio waves coming from the heart of the Milky Way.

That unexpected find kicked off the entire field of radio astronomy. In classic scientific fashion, Jansky set out to fix a problem and ended up uncovering a whole new way to observe the universe. Fast forward a few decades, and that spark of curiosity helped shape what would become one of the world’s most powerful astronomical instruments.

Today, the Very Large Array is part of the National Science Foundation’s suite of cutting-edge facilities. The Very Large Array is operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which is managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI)—a nonprofit consortium that includes academic heavyweights like Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Rochester, and Yale. Despite its national affiliation, the VLA serves the international scientific community, offering access to researchers from around the world. Observing time on the array is awarded on a competitive basis, with proposals evaluated solely on scientific merit—regardless of nationality, institution, or research sponsors. If your science is solid, you’re in the running.

And the VLA hasn’t stayed stuck in the 1980s. Thanks to the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) project—a massive upgrade completed in the 2010s—the site swapped out its vintage analog systems for state-of-the-art digital tech. Think of it as giving a classic muscle car a futuristic engine and dashboard. With dramatically improved sensitivity, resolution, and frequency coverage, this high-desert powerhouse now helps researchers explore everything from fast radio bursts and dark energy to the magnetic fields threading distant galaxies. In other words: it’s still listening, and still learning—only now, with way better ears.

Big Dishes, Bigger Purpose. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory isn’t just about building world-class telescopes—it’s about pushing the boundaries of discovery, training future scientists, and making the universe a little more understandable for the rest of us. This mission statement says it all.
Big Dishes, Bigger Purpose. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory isn’t just about building world-class telescopes—it’s about pushing the boundaries of discovery, training future scientists, and making the universe a little more understandable for the rest of us. This mission statement says it all.
A Radio Telescope’s Greatest Hits. From the explosive remains of a supernova to plasma jets fired from a supermassive black hole, the VLA gives us front-row seats to some of the universe’s most extreme phenomena. This display highlights just a few of the mind-bending objects we’ve “seen” through radio waves—proof that there’s a whole lot happening out there, even if our eyes can’t catch it.
A Radio Telescope’s Greatest Hits. From the explosive remains of a supernova to plasma jets fired from a supermassive black hole, the VLA gives us front-row seats to some of the universe’s most extreme phenomena. This display highlights just a few of the mind-bending objects we’ve “seen” through radio waves—proof that there’s a whole lot happening out there, even if our eyes can’t catch it.
From Very Large Array to Very Large Data. Tuning into the cosmos isn’t light work—it takes one of the world’s fastest supercomputers to process the avalanche of data coming in from 27 antennas. The VLA’s WIDAR correlator crunches 16 quadrillion calculations per second, generating over a terabyte of data each day. That’s about the same as streaming your entire music library nonstop for a year—just to capture one day’s worth of signals from deep space.
From Very Large Array to Very Large Data. Tuning into the cosmos isn’t light work—it takes one of the world’s fastest supercomputers to process the avalanche of data coming in from 27 antennas. The VLA’s WIDAR correlator crunches 16 quadrillion calculations per second, generating over a terabyte of data each day. That’s about the same as streaming your entire music library nonstop for a year—just to capture one day’s worth of signals from deep space.
A Quick Tour Through Space and Time. This short film inside the Visitor Center covers both the science and the story behind the VLA—how it listens to deep space and how it came to be one of the world’s most advanced radio observatories. It’s a great way to ground your visit before heading out to see the real deal up close.
A Quick Tour Through Space and Time. This short film inside the Visitor Center covers both the science and the story behind the VLA—how it listens to deep space and how it came to be one of the world’s most advanced radio observatories. It’s a great way to ground your visit before heading out to see the real deal up close.

The VLA in Pop Culture

If this all sounds a little familiar, you might be recalling the 1997 film Contact, based on Carl Sagan’s novel, featuring Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey. Jodie Foster’s character, an astronomer searching for extraterrestrial signals, spends much of the film wandering among the giant white dishes of the VLA. (Spoiler: they do, in fact, hear something.)

While the VLA doesn’t officially search for alien life, the idea of massive antennas quietly listening to the universe is too tempting for Hollywood to ignore. And honestly, when you’re standing out there—sky above, silence all around—it does feel like you’ve wandered onto an X-Files set.

In fact, Contact is just the most famous movie example. The VLA has also made appearances in Independence Day, Armageddon, Terminator Salvation, and 2010: The Year We Make Contact (not to be confused with Contact, though we wouldn’t blame you if you did). Directors love the VLA when they need a quick visual shorthand for “Yes, serious science is happening here.”

It’s also been featured in documentaries and science specials, further cementing its status as one of the most recognizable scientific backdrops in film. Not bad for a place that makes its living listening in silence.

Hollywood Meets the High Desert. In 1996, the VLA traded radio waves for movie magic as a filming location for the sci-fi classic Contact, starring Jodie Foster and based on Carl Sagan’s novel. This display gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the antennas, landscape, and real-life scientists helped bring one of Hollywood’s most iconic space films to life.
Hollywood Meets the High Desert. In 1996, the VLA traded radio waves for movie magic as a filming location for the sci-fi classic Contact, starring Jodie Foster and based on Carl Sagan’s novel. This display gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the antennas, landscape, and real-life scientists helped bring one of Hollywood’s most iconic space films to life.

So… Have We Heard from Aliens Yet? 👽

Has the VLA picked up anything weird? Not in the “little green men calling collect” kind of way—but it has detected some strange and unexplained phenomena. We’re talking Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs)—incredibly powerful, millisecond-long flashes from deep space that have scientists scratching their heads—and unusual cosmic signals that sometimes turn out to be things like neutron stars, black holes, or something we haven’t quite figured out yet. But just for the record, the VLA hasn’t picked up anything that even hints at intentional communication from intelligent alien life.

Could it detect such a message? Absolutely—if it was strong, in the right frequency, and pointed our way. But even then, it would take rigorous verification and global collaboration to confirm. So no, the VLA hasn’t received a “Greetings, Earthlings” transmission… but if it ever does, you won’t need a telescope to see that headline.

Visiting the VLA: Your Guide to Antennas, Silence, and Stargazing

Getting There:
The VLA is situated approximately 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico, along US Highway 60. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Albuquerque and 3 hours from Santa Fe. If you’re planning a road trip through the state, it makes for an excellent detour between Albuquerque and Silver City or while exploring the Gila Wilderness or Pie Town.​

Hours and Admission:
The VLA is open to the general public 7 days a week ONLY from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No one is allowed on site after 4 p.m. without prior authorization. The VLA Visitor Center includes a small museum, gift shop, restrooms, and a short documentary narrated by none other than Jodie Foster. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for kids under 17. Be sure to check the VLA website for updated hours.

Tours:
The self-guided walking tour is excellent, with interpretive signs guiding you right up to the base of one of the massive dish antennas. On Saturdays, the VLA offers public guided tours at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m., with no reservations required beyond your admission ticket. Just show up at the Visitor Center 30 minutes before your preferred tour time. Each tour lasts about an hour and offers behind-the-scenes insight into how the array works and what it’s listening for. During off-peak seasons, tour availability may shift—so be sure to check the VLA website for the most current schedule of tours.

In addition to regular tours, the VLA hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including star parties, talks by astronomers, and science festivals for all ages. These public outreach events often feature expanded access, interactive activities, and chances to connect directly with researchers. You can find the current lineup at the NRAO events page.

Pro Tips:

  • Bring water and snacks. There’s nowhere to grab food on-site, and at 7,000 feet, you dry out faster than you’d think—especially under that classic New Mexico sun. Even if you don’t feel sweaty, your body’s working harder up here, so stay ahead of it and keep yourself fueled and hydrated.
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen. There’s very little shade during the walking tour.​
  • Expect minimal cell service. This place is remote for a reason—it needs radio silence.
  • Check road conditions in winter. Snow isn’t common, but it does happen.
  • Silence is golden. Electronic devices should be in airplane mode and powered off to prevent interference with observations. While you’re at it, make time to just stand still and listen. Out here, silence has its own soundtrack.
A Whole Lot of Nothing—And That’s the Point. As you approach the VLA, the road stretches endlessly and the traffic thins to nearly zero. Out here on the Plains of San Agustin, the quiet isn’t accidental—it’s essential. Fewer people, less noise, and more room to listen to the universe.
A Whole Lot of Nothing—And That’s the Point. As you approach the VLA, the road stretches endlessly, and the traffic thins to nearly zero. Out here on the Plains of San Agustin, the quiet isn’t accidental—it’s essential. Fewer people, less noise, and more room to listen to the universe.
The Quiet Foundation Beneath the VLA. Long before radio dishes arrived, the Plains of San Agustín were shaped by ancient lakes and volcanic uplift. This wide, windswept basin now provides the perfect setting for one of the world’s most advanced telescopes—and this scenic marker offers a glimpse into the land’s much older story.
The Quiet Foundation Beneath the VLA. Long before radio dishes arrived, the Plains of San Agustín were shaped by ancient lakes and volcanic uplift. This wide, windswept basin now provides the perfect setting for one of the world’s most advanced telescopes—and this scenic marker offers a glimpse into the land’s much older story.
A Snapshot of Science on the Plains. This simple VLA sign marks your arrival at one of the world’s premier radio observatories. With the vast New Mexico landscape and a towering dish in the distance, it’s a perfect blend of wide-open space and mind-expanding science.
A Snapshot of Science on the Plains. This simple VLA sign marks your arrival at one of the world’s premier radio observatories. With the vast New Mexico landscape and a towering dish in the distance, it’s a perfect blend of wide-open space and mind-expanding science.
Welcome to the Gateway of Galactic Eavesdropping. It may look unassuming from the outside, but this is where your Very Large Array experience begins. Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll find exhibits, a short film, and a self-guided tour map that sets the stage for one of the most fascinating scientific sites in the Southwest.
Welcome to the Gateway of Galactic Eavesdropping. It may look unassuming from the outside, but this is where your Very Large Array experience begins. Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll find exhibits, a short film, and a self-guided tour map that sets the stage for one of the most fascinating scientific sites in the Southwest.
Before You Wander Among the Dishes. A quick reminder to switch your phone to airplane mode—those faint signals from distant galaxies don’t stand a chance against your Bluetooth. While you're at it, grab a brochure and note the photo release notice. At the VLA, you might not just spot science in action—you might become part of it.
Before You Wander Among the Dishes. A quick reminder to switch your phone to airplane mode—those faint signals from distant galaxies don’t stand a chance against your Bluetooth. While you’re at it, grab a brochure and note the photo release notice. At the VLA, you might not just spot science in action—you might become part of it.
Want the Inside Scoop? Time Your Visit Right. On the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, the VLA offers free guided tours at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.—no reservations needed. You’ll get behind-the-scenes access, plenty of nerdy facts, and a chance to ask questions from folks who actually run the place. Be sure to check the VLA website to confirm the tours times/days haven't changed.
Want the Inside Scoop? Time Your Visit Right. On the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month (or every Saturday, during peak season), the VLA offers free guided tours at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.—no reservations needed. You’ll get behind-the-scenes access, plenty of nerdy facts, and a chance to ask questions from folks who actually run the place. Be sure to check the VLA website to confirm the tours times/days haven’t changed.
Your Roadmap to the Radio Realm. This little map lays out the route of the VLA’s outdoor walking tour, guiding you from station to station as you explore how the array works.
Your Roadmap to the Radio Realm. This little map lays out the route of the VLA’s outdoor walking tour, guiding you from station to station as you explore how the array works.
This path leads from the VLA Visitor Center to the start of the self-guided walking tour—where you’ll trade air conditioning for open skies and step into a world where science meets the silence of the high desert. It’s your gateway to a close-up encounter with one of the most powerful listening tools on Earth.
This path leads from the VLA Visitor Center to the start of the self-guided walking tour—where you’ll trade air conditioning for open skies and step into a world where science meets the silence of the high desert. It’s your gateway to a close-up encounter with one of the most powerful listening tools on Earth.
Step-by-Step Through the Cosmos. The VLA’s self-guided walking tour leads you along a scenic path with numbered stations, each one diving into a different aspect of how the array works. You’ll get up close with one of the giant antennas, learn how signals are captured and combined, and gain a new appreciation for the science happening in this quiet stretch of New Mexico.
Step-by-Step Through the Cosmos. The VLA’s self-guided walking tour leads you along a scenic path with numbered stations, each one diving into a different aspect of how the array works. You’ll get up close with one of the giant antennas, learn how signals are captured and combined, and gain a new appreciation for the science happening in this quiet stretch of New Mexico.
This sleek little structure might look like a bus stop from the future, but it’s actually one of the self-guided stations along the VLA walking tour—your next stop on the path to understanding the universe.
This sleek little structure might look like a bus stop from the future, but it’s actually one of the self-guided stations along the VLA walking tour—your next stop on the path to understanding the universe.
One Stop on Your DIY Journey Through the Universe. Here’s a peek at one of the numbered stations along the VLA’s self-guided walking tour. Each stop unpacks a piece of the puzzle—how these massive dishes move, listen, and team up to decode the cosmos.
Here’s a peek at one of the numbered stations along the VLA’s self-guided walking tour. Each stop unpacks a piece of the puzzle—how these massive dishes move, listen, and team up to decode the cosmos.
Music of the Spheres. This sculptural sound piece gives form to an ancient idea—and a modern reality. As you stand before it, thin metal wires resonate with real radio wave signals collected from space, turning invisible frequencies into audible tones. It’s the universe’s background music, brought to life on a windy patch of high desert in New Mexico.
Music of the Spheres. As part of the VLA self-guided tour you’ll find a sculptural sound piece known as an Aeolian harp—an ancient wind-powered instrument made modern. A series of steel strings are stretched across a small resonance chamber and exposed to the prevailing southwest wind. As the breeze moves through, the strings produce an eerie, metallic hum to complement the otherworldly visual experience of the VLA.
Up Close with a Giant Listener. Standing beneath one of the VLA’s 230-ton antennas, it’s hard not to feel small. This massive dish—mounted on a rotating base and guided by railroad tracks—can pivot with astonishing precision to track signals from deep space.
Up Close with a Giant Listener. Standing beneath one of the VLA’s 230-ton antennas, it’s hard not to feel small. This massive dish—mounted on a rotating base and guided by railroad tracks—can pivot with astonishing precision to track signals from deep space.
Precision Meets Power From this angle, you can really appreciate the engineering behind each VLA antenna. With its 82-foot-wide dish and finely tuned mechanics, it can rotate and tilt with pinpoint accuracy—all to capture faint signals from across the cosmos. It may look like a sculpture, but it’s one of the most powerful tools in modern astronomy.
With its 82-foot-wide dish and finely tuned mechanics, it can rotate and tilt with pinpoint accuracy—all to capture faint signals from across the cosmos.
When Giants Pivot. It may look like a small move, but every subtle shift of a VLA dish is calculated with precision. This quiet turn helps the array stay locked onto signals from deep space—because even a millimeter matters when you’re tuning in to galaxies millions of light-years away.
Galactic Timekeeping, VLA Style. From a distance, the Bracewell Radio Sundial looks like a modern art installation in the middle of the high desert. But step closer, and you’ll find a precise astronomical instrument that tracks both solar time and celestial radio sources—linking the rhythms of our day with the deep-time dance of the universe.
Galactic Timekeeping, VLA Style. From a distance, the Bracewell Radio Sundial looks like a modern art installation in the middle of the high desert. But step closer, and you’ll find a precise astronomical instrument that tracks both solar time and celestial radio sources—linking the rhythms of our day with the deep-time dance of the universe.
A Cosmic Clock with a Scientific Twist. The Bracewell Radio Sundial isn’t just tracking time—it’s tracking the universe. As sunlight hits the central sphere, its shadow aligns with markers that represent distant radio sources in the sky. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the stillness of the New Mexico desert, we’re constantly connected to activity far beyond our solar system.
As sunlight hits the central sphere of the Bracewell Radio Sundial, its shadow aligns with markers that represent distant radio sources in the sky. It’s a nice reminder that even in the stillness of the New Mexico desert, we’re constantly connected to activity far beyond our solar system.
How to Catch a Whisper from Deep Space This outdoor exhibit breaks down the anatomy of a VLA antenna—from the massive dish that gathers faint radio waves to the feed horn (on the right) that funnels those signals into a receiver. It’s like an oversized cosmic ear, carefully tuned to catch whispers from black holes, pulsars, and galaxies billions of light-years away.
This outdoor exhibit breaks down the anatomy of a VLA antenna—from the massive dish that gathers faint radio waves to the feed horn (on the right) that funnels those signals into a receiver.
Proof the Universe Has a Fan Club. These maps at the VLA Visitor Center tell a story without words—one pushpin at a time. From Tokyo to Toronto, Sydney to São Paulo, visitors from around the globe have made the pilgrimage to this remote corner of New Mexico… all to see a bunch of giant dishes listen to space.
These maps at the VLA Visitor Center tell a story without words—one pushpin at a time. From Tokyo to Toronto, Sydney to São Paulo, visitors from around the globe have made the pilgrimage to this remote corner of New Mexico… all to see a bunch of giant dishes listen to space.
Timing Is Everything. I showed up during normal business hours, but the gift shop had other plans. Disappointed? Sure. But I suppose it gives me a good excuse to come back—and maybe snag those cosmic socks next time.
Timing Is Everything. I showed up during normal business hours, but the gift shop had other plans. Disappointed? Sure. But I suppose it gives me a good excuse to come back.
The Elusive VLA Gift Shop. The gift shop was closed during my visit, so this photo—taken through the glass like a curious raccoon—was the closest I got. The appear to sell a variety of T-shirts, posters, and other VLA swag to make any space nerd’s heart beat faster. Next time!
The Elusive VLA Gift Shop. The gift shop was closed during my visit, so this photo—taken through the glass like a curious raccoon—was the closest I got. The store appears to sell a variety of T-shirts, posters, and other VLA swag to make any space nerd’s heart beat faster. Next time!

What Else Is Nearby?

Chances are, you’re not going to spend the whole day at the VLA. But that’s part of the appeal—this remote region is surrounded by weird, wild, and wonderful places that are well worth the extra detour.

Pie Town, New Mexico

Yes, Pie Town is real. And yes, there’s actual pie. About 20 miles west of the VLA along Highway 60, this offbeat little stop lives up to its name. I recently put together a blog post with everything you need to know before you roll into Pie Town—fork in hand.

Datil Well Recreation Area and Campground

Just a short (15-20 minute) drive west, Datil Well Recreation Area offers a peaceful spot for picnicking, hiking, or even camping under the stars. The Datil Well Historic Trail is a short loop with views of the plains and surrounding mountains. It’s an easy way to stretch your legs and soak in the solitude. On a clear night (and out here, they’re mostly clear), you can lie back and stare into a sky that seems almost too big to be real. This is dark sky territory, ideal for your own DIY astronomy session.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re heading out from Socorro, this world-class birding spot is well worth the detour. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge comes alive in the fall and winter, when thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and other migratory birds fill the skies. With a scenic auto loop, walking trails, and an excellent visitor center, it’s a must-see for nature lovers.

And even if birds aren’t your thing, the landscape alone makes it worth the stop—lush wetlands framed by desert scrub, with sunrises and sunsets that look like they were made for your camera. I’ve put together a blog post with the inside scoop on visiting San Antonio, New Mexico, the gateway to Bosque del Apache.

Magdalena & the Magdalena Ridge Observatory

About 20 miles east of the VLA sits another scientific spot that flies under most travelers’ radar. The Magdalena Ridge Observatory, perched at 10,600 feet, focuses on high-resolution optical astronomy and hosts occasional public events. Star parties and open houses are limited, so check their website before you go.

The town of Magdalena makes a nice base if you’re exploring this stretch of Highway 60. It’s a laid-back, arts-influenced community with a few welcoming cafes, galleries, and lodges—just enough to fuel up, slow down, and soak in a bit of small-town New Mexico. I’ll be writing a blog post about Magdalena soon, so stay tuned for a closer look at what makes this little town worth the stop.

Why the VLA Is Worth the Detour

Standing in the shadow of these gleaming giants on the Plains of San Agustin, it’s hard not to feel small in the best possible way. The Very Large Array is more than a marvel of engineering—it’s a symbol of humanity’s insatiable curiosity. Out here, amid the wind, dust, and silence, brilliant minds have come together from all over the globe in pursuit of a single mission: to listen.

And in a world that often favors shouting, listening feels revolutionary.

Whether you’re a scientist, a stargazer, a road-tripper, or just someone trying to find peace beneath a sprawling sky, the VLA delivers. It’s one of those rare places that stirs both awe and serenity, and you walk away feeling a little more connected to something bigger than yourself.

Thought for the Week

This week’s quote comes from Carl Sagan (1934 – 1996). Carl was an astronomer, author, and the unofficial poet laureate of the cosmos. Few people have done more to make the vastness of space feel personal, and fewer still could wrap science, wonder, and humility into a single sentence quite like he could.

One of his most enduring lines fits beautifully with the spirit of the Very Large Array. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that discovery doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, it comes from long hours, careful listening, and the patience to sift through signals in the silence. The VLA does just that—turning its giant ears to the sky, day after day, listening for something incredible.

Something to think about the next time you’re out under the stars, wondering what’s out there—and who might be wondering the same about us.

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known”.
— Carl Sagan

Thanks for reading and happy travels!

Mark (The New Mexico Travel Guy)

Mark Aspelin, The New Mexico Travel Guy (www.newmexicotravelguy.com), is a travel writer and author of two books who has enjoyed a wide variety of adventures in his travels to over 100 countries and all 50 U.S. States.  His current project involves visiting EVERY town in his home state of New Mexico (there’s over 500 towns) and writing a story about each one.  He’s on track to finish the project by his early-mid 100s. When not traveling, Mark lives as a recluse in the mountains outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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