The Very Large Array Observatory

Pulled into Montosa RV Park on NM 60 at 7,000 feet elevation. We enjoyed a beautiful day at this lovely rural park. Then the temperature fell to 16 degrees overnight. Clear, cold, not a sound made by man nor beast.

The next day we drove to the Magdalena Cafe for their famous giant chile hamburger. Two 8 oz hamburger patties on a bun, with chips. Ooof! It took both of us to finish one burger. But we still went back for the pies.


Then on to the Very Large Array Observatory.
What an amazing place. 27 very big radio telescopes (235 tons each) moved into different patterns across a 25 mile long valley. All these telescopes pointed skyward in the same direction gave the place an eerie other-wordly feel.

Remember Jodi Foster in the movie Contact? Filmed at the VLA.

Click here for VLA slide show.

Tomorrow - drive to the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert.

Bruce