This display gave the specifications of the VLA antennas.

Signals are focused into receivers which are cooled to -427 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize internally generated noise. Signals are amplified several million times and sent to the Control Building through a buried waveguide.

The antennas are moved on double railroad tracks. The configuration of the antennas  is changed to vary image resolution depending on what experiments are being conducted.

This close-up of the undercarriage shows the huge hydraulic pistons used to reposition the antenna or track objects across the sky.

This photo shows one of the three " arms" of antennas.  The arms can be varied in length from 2000 feet to 13 miles (the three arms are always configured equally). The Plains of San Augustin were chosen because the land is broad and very flat. Also, the elevation of 7,000 feet means the air  is 25% less thick than at sea level, which eliminates a lot of atmospheric interference.

This metal sculpture near the visitor center symbolizes the three arms of the VLA reaching up  to the sky.

This huge shed is used to repair or maintain antennas. An extra antenna minimizes down time. The VLA generally operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Radio observations are not limited to nighttime or clear weather.