The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA)

 

These photos from my travel trip to New Mexico Very Large Array. 

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory located in central New Mexico, USA.

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) Sign at Night

The VLA was first proposed in the 1960s as a replacement for the older National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) antennas. Construction began in 1973, and the VLA was completed in 1980. The VLA consists of 28 dish antennas that can be arranged in different configurations to observe different parts of the sky.

Radio Telescope at Night

The VLA is a powerful tool for radio astronomy, as it is capable of observing a wide range of celestial objects, including stars, galaxies, and black holes. Because the VLA observes in the radio frequency range, it can see through dust clouds and other obstructions that would be opaque to visible light telescopes. 

VLA Radio Telescope at Night

One of the most famous scientific discoveries made using the VLA was the confirmation of the existence of black holes. In 1974, astronomers using the VLA observed a radio source called Cygnus X-1, which was suspected to be a black hole. By observing the orbital motion of a companion star to Cygnus X-1, the astronomers were able to confirm that it was indeed a black hole.

Sky Reflection - Crystal Ball

In addition to the discovery of black holes, the VLA has made many other important scientific discoveries. For example, in 1998, astronomers using the VLA discovered the first radio-emitting magnetar, a type of neutron star with an extremely powerful magnetic field. The VLA has also been used to study the properties of interstellar gas and dust, as well as the formation of stars and galaxies.

VLA Sign

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) was also featured prominently in the 1997 science fiction film "Contact", based on the novel by Carl Sagan. The film tells the story of a scientist named Ellie Arroway, played by Jodie Foster, who uses the VLA to search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

NRAO

In the film, Arroway and her team use the VLA to search for signals from other civilizations in the universe. The VLA's ability to detect faint radio signals from distant objects is crucial to their search, as they believe that other intelligent beings may use radio waves to communicate with one another.

Radio Telescope

"Contact" is a science fiction film that features the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array as a key element in its plot. Although the film's depiction of the VLA is largely fictional, it did raise awareness of the observatory and its capabilities among the general public. The VLA remains a powerful tool for scientific research, and its ongoing use by astronomers and other scientists continues to expand our understanding of the universe.

VLA

I have only one day and night to make photos. Weather was not perfect. But I thing clouds give some drama to these photos.

Night Sky over Great Sand Dunes National Park after snow storm

 Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, located in southern Colorado, is a unique and breathtaking destination that offers incredible opportunities for astrophotography. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, which rise over 750 feet high against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 

With its remote location, low light pollution, and clear skies, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is the perfect place for stargazing and capturing stunning photographs of the night sky.

As an avid amateur astrophotographer, I am always on the lookout for unique and breathtaking locations to capture in my photography. When I heard about the incredible natural beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, I knew that I had to visit and see it for myself.

Night Sky over Great Sand Dunes National Park after snow storm

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 13 sec. Post processing: Photoshop and Topaz AI.

This photo was done at midnight about 1 hour after a snowstorm had passed through the area. The snow on the dunes provided a striking contrast against the dark night sky, creating a dramatic and almost otherworldly atmosphere. 

One particularly interesting element in the photo is the air glow. Air glow is a natural phenomenon that occurs when atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere emit light. This can create a soft, diffuse glow in the sky that is visible on the long-exposure photos. The green, yellow and red colors are the result of  emissions in the atmosphere.

The black clouds is visible on photo. It is another indicator of dark sky without light pollution.

It was a moment that I will never forget, and a photo that I will treasure for years to come. I feel so lucky to have been able to capture this photo, and I hope that it inspires others to get out there and explore the wonders of our natural world.