Impressive view of the Array of Radio Telescopes
along US 60 near Magdalena, NM
just the beginning of worthwhile trip
By Gwen Roath
SO publisher/peon<br><br>
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/VLAant1.jpg align=center hspace=3 border=1 alt="VLA radio telescopes viewed from the highway"></center>
San Agustin Plains, NM – You’ve seen the movie “Contact” with Jody Foster and now you want to see those big radio antennas for yourself.
So you’ve driven west from Socorro along Highway 60 past Magdalena and into some rolling hills. You feel like you’re going into the middle of nowhere or that you’ll end up on an unknown beach seeing your long-gone dad, like in the movie.
But, actually, it’s quite easy – even for those unfamiliar with New Mexico. And be assured, it’s all on paved roads.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/VLAsign2.jpg align=right hspace=3 border=1 alt="VLA welcoming sign">From Magdalena on Hwy. 60, it is 19 beautiful miles west to Highway 52 where you will turn south (left). Not many signs offer to guide you at this point, but the antennas on your right keep getting larger and larger. After 3 miles, you’ll come to an intersection and turn west (right). There you will be greeted by a large welcoming sign – with the impressive dishes as a backdrop. Another short two miles takes you to the visitor center. There you can watch a presentation explaining the mission and history of the VLA, view the exhibits and gather information for a self-guided walking tour. They also offer guided tours on special weekends.
Before or after (or both) that tour, be sure to step into the cen-ter’s gift shop. There you will find lots of little mementos of your visit – from magnets to caps and t-shirts, maps, mugs decorative tiles, and post cards. Many items are themed around the VLA and space (like the “I need my space” t-shirt). Others have a science theme with a fun twist – like the rainbow circles and the uv beads, along with books of various levels.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/PrescillaM1.jpg align=left hspace=3 border=1 alt="Prescilla Mauldin shows her visitors' map"> If you go during the week, you’ll find senior sales clerk Prescilla Mauldin the friendly face behind the counter. The store, she notes, is a non-profit venture which raises money for the displays at the visitor center.
“I stock items from as many local artists as I can,” she says, pointing out jewelry and pins made by Alamo jewelers. Specialized VLA baseball caps are from Bobbi’s Bobbin in Socorro, distinctive tie-dye shirts are made by Magdalena artist Nicole Beaudoin. Even the post cards are from local photographer and retired VLA employee Kelly Gatlin.
And then there’s the exquisite glass galaxy paperweights and glass pendants made by Sarah Creekmore.
On the wall near the counter is a map of the world with push pins noting the homes of many of visitors. Visitors from near and far have enjoyed the special expe-rience of visiting this remotely located, high-tech place that looks where humans long to see.
The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 am to dusk. The gift shop is open from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer (May through August) and 9 am to 4 pm the rest of the year. For information, call 835-7410 or visit www.vla.nrao.edu (http://www.vla.nrao.edu/)
along US 60 near Magdalena, NM
just the beginning of worthwhile trip
By Gwen Roath
SO publisher/peon<br><br>
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/VLAant1.jpg align=center hspace=3 border=1 alt="VLA radio telescopes viewed from the highway"></center>
San Agustin Plains, NM – You’ve seen the movie “Contact” with Jody Foster and now you want to see those big radio antennas for yourself.
So you’ve driven west from Socorro along Highway 60 past Magdalena and into some rolling hills. You feel like you’re going into the middle of nowhere or that you’ll end up on an unknown beach seeing your long-gone dad, like in the movie.
But, actually, it’s quite easy – even for those unfamiliar with New Mexico. And be assured, it’s all on paved roads.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/VLAsign2.jpg align=right hspace=3 border=1 alt="VLA welcoming sign">From Magdalena on Hwy. 60, it is 19 beautiful miles west to Highway 52 where you will turn south (left). Not many signs offer to guide you at this point, but the antennas on your right keep getting larger and larger. After 3 miles, you’ll come to an intersection and turn west (right). There you will be greeted by a large welcoming sign – with the impressive dishes as a backdrop. Another short two miles takes you to the visitor center. There you can watch a presentation explaining the mission and history of the VLA, view the exhibits and gather information for a self-guided walking tour. They also offer guided tours on special weekends.
Before or after (or both) that tour, be sure to step into the cen-ter’s gift shop. There you will find lots of little mementos of your visit – from magnets to caps and t-shirts, maps, mugs decorative tiles, and post cards. Many items are themed around the VLA and space (like the “I need my space” t-shirt). Others have a science theme with a fun twist – like the rainbow circles and the uv beads, along with books of various levels.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/PrescillaM1.jpg align=left hspace=3 border=1 alt="Prescilla Mauldin shows her visitors' map"> If you go during the week, you’ll find senior sales clerk Prescilla Mauldin the friendly face behind the counter. The store, she notes, is a non-profit venture which raises money for the displays at the visitor center.
“I stock items from as many local artists as I can,” she says, pointing out jewelry and pins made by Alamo jewelers. Specialized VLA baseball caps are from Bobbi’s Bobbin in Socorro, distinctive tie-dye shirts are made by Magdalena artist Nicole Beaudoin. Even the post cards are from local photographer and retired VLA employee Kelly Gatlin.
And then there’s the exquisite glass galaxy paperweights and glass pendants made by Sarah Creekmore.
On the wall near the counter is a map of the world with push pins noting the homes of many of visitors. Visitors from near and far have enjoyed the special expe-rience of visiting this remotely located, high-tech place that looks where humans long to see.
The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 am to dusk. The gift shop is open from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer (May through August) and 9 am to 4 pm the rest of the year. For information, call 835-7410 or visit www.vla.nrao.edu (http://www.vla.nrao.edu/)