There are some things in New Mexico that seem just, well, strange. As we noted in an earlier post, one of these is volcanoes in New Mexico. The other is what is called the Very Large Array or VLA. Let’s visit the VLA first.
By Brian W. Schaller – Own work, FAL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30495896
The Very Large Array is an astronomical radio observation station. You will find the VLA about 50 miles west of the city of Socorro, out on the plains. There are 27 of the radio antennas out there, positioned in a large Y shape. Each of the antennas is 82 feet in diameter. The uniqueness of this is that each of the signals is combined to essentially create a single signal from what is the equivalent of a receiver 22 miles by 422 feet.
By BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada – Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25905886
So what does the VLA actually do? From the National Radio Astronomy Observatory site, “Radio astronomy is the study of celestial objects that give off radio waves. With radio astronomy, we study astronomical phenomena that are often invisible or hidden in other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.” The gathered information is used by astronomers around the world.
On northward now to the Valles Caldera National Preserve. I think I may have put park on the image that I made for this week but it is technically a preserve, handled under the National Park Service. This area is located in the north-central part of the state in the Jemez Mountains. The preserve includes most of the caldera created by an eruption many, many years ago. A caldera is formed when the ground collapses into the magma chambers as the magma is erupted in a series of eruptions. (Yellowstone is another example of a caldera.)
The caldera is dormant, though not extinct. According to the NPS site, there are signs of volcanic life including boiling sulphuric acid fumaroles and hot springs. This area is considered one of the world’s best examples of an intact volcanic caldera.
In addition to the volcanic history found here, there is also plenty of examples of human history. This area was widely used for hunting and gathering lifestyles prior to the agricultural lifestyle that came about. The area has great obsidian deposits and many native cultures treasure the area and its resources. There is also a history here of the Spanish and Mexican settlements in the area, including some important land grants.
mountain bikers at Valles Caldera photo from National Park Service
The park is a beautiful place and there are many activities visitors can participate in. Of course, there is hiking and camping. There is fishing, horseback riding, visiting historic sites, mountain biking, and other activities including ranger-led options.
Blessings,
Lori, At Home.
Each week we will be linking up with the hosts of Blogging Through the Alphabet. Please visit some of these other blogs to get things like book lists, vegan recipes, and wonderful places to visit, just to name the topics I can think of off the top of my head.
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- Jennifer @ A Peace Of Mind
- Kristen @ A Mom’s Quest To Teach
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Tagged: ABC blogging, field trips, New Mexico, science, travel/trips
At Home 
Very interesting about the volcano…didn’t know about that. And I think the VLA is probably the inspiration for a part of a video game (Fallout New Vegas) I played. I love seeing the real world connection to games (books, movies, etc). Thank you!
I have never head of that game so that is pretty interesting to see a connection. Thanks for sharing that!
my eyes are obviously tired today.. every time I saw very large array I thought… very large army? Seriously New Mexico has a very large army let’s go read about that. Then I saw the dish and thought WHAT???? 🙂 anyways, the preserve sounds like a great place to visit, and the array… it’s good.. just not as exciting as a very large army. 🙂
You do sound tired! Sorry – no big army but you can come see some giant satellite dishes! 🙂
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