Located near the small city of Socorro is a unique man-made wonder in New Mexico. The Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility is like something out of sci-fi. When I first saw it in person, I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. This collection of radio telescopes looks as otherworldly in person as it does in pictures. But if you’re in New Mexico, I urge you to visit this extraordinary man-made wonder.

Located to the west of Socorro is a man-made wonder that's worth visiting. The Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility is like something out of a movie when you see it in person.
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In all, there are 27 working radio telescopes that look a lot like massive satellite dishes here at the Very Large Array (VLA). There is a 28th telescope that acts as a spare.
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Each of the 27 dishes measures 82 feet in diameter and weighs 230 tons. Their strategic placement is in the shape of a "Y" with one arm's length at 11 miles and the other two arms at 13 miles long.
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The dishes are also on rails so they can be moved further apart or closer together if needed.
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VLA was first used in 1980 with a purpose of using radio wavelengths to create images of the Universe. Together, the radio telescopes act as one giant telescope.
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With its otherworldly visual appeal, it may come as no surprise that the Very Large Array was featured in movies like Contact, Terminator Salvation, and Independence Day. Do you remember the scenes featuring VLA in those movies?
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Have you visited the Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility yet? What’s your favorite man-made wonder in New Mexico? Let us know in the comments. To learn more about the Very Large Array and to plan your visit, head to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory website.

I’m sure you’d agree that there are so many incredible natural and man-made wonders around the state. To explore some of both, take the Exploring the Magic of Northern New Mexico: Scenery, Pueblos, and Churches tour available on Viator.

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NRAO Very Large Array, Old Hwy 60, Magdalena, NM 87825, USA