Buy The Very Large Array Visitor Center
Gift & Greeting Card
Buy a gift up to $1,000 with the suggestion to spend it at The Very Large Array Visitor Center.
Delivered in a customized greeting card by email, mail or printout.
Discover the wonders of the universe at The Very Large Array Visitor Center, nestled in the captivating town of Magdalena, NM. This extraordinary establishment showcases the immense radio telescope complex of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), offering a truly unique and enlightening experience.
The Very Large Array (VLA) is an iconic telescope renowned for its groundbreaking research in the field of astronomy. Located amidst the vast desert landscape west of Socorro and Magdalena, New Mexico, its colossal dish antennas span over a hundred square miles, collecting and studying the invisible light emitted in space. From unraveling the mysteries of star birth to unraveling the growth of galaxies and the enigma of black holes, the VLA has spearheaded countless astronomical discoveries, earning its position as the most influential telescope on Earth.
At The Very Large Array Visitor Center, visitors are treated to a captivating journey through the realm of radio astronomy. Immerse yourself in the award-winning film narrated by the talented Jodie Foster, delving into the science behind radio astronomy and the awe-inspiring VLA telescope. Wander through the engaging exhibits, which offer a detailed glimpse into the cutting-edge research and technology that drives this remarkable facility.
Take advantage of the self-guided walking tour, where you can venture to the base of one of the colossal dish antennas and marvel at the engineering marvel before your eyes. Capture the moment with a non-electronic camera, as the vastness of the VLA cannot be adequately conveyed through a digital lens.
Before bidding adieu, be sure to visit the VLA Gift Shop, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here, you'll find a delightful array of unique gifts and VLA memorabilia, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and curious souls alike. Please note that the gift shop may be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day, so plan your visit accordingly.
To reach The Very Large Array Visitor Center, embark on a scenic two-hour drive from Albuquerque. Head south on I-25 to Socorro Exit 150, then west on US-60 past Magdalena. Look for the brown "VLA Visitor Center" signs and turn south onto State Highway 52. The entrance will be on your right, although the center doesn't have a formal address; you can use the GPS coordinates 34 04'43.497N, 107 37'05.819W for guidance.
Unleash your inner adventurer and embark on a captivating journey through the vast reaches of space at The Very Large Array Visitor Center. Come, be inspired, and witness the marvels of the universe unfolding before your eyes.
Gift $100 for High Country Lodge: Escape to the tranquil and rustic charm of High Country Lodge in Magdalena, where nature lovers and adventurers alike can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of New Mexico's mountains.