NMCA Touches Far Away Galaxies
On a sunny Sunday morning the Corvette "cruziers" began their trip to visit the Very
Large Array located west of Socorro. What a site to see 30 awesome Vettes and one
"Corvette yellow" mustang (its ok...new members Dan and Peggy Pearson are searching
for their perfect Corvette) heading south on I-25. We created a lot of head turning,
horns honking and waves of approval and envy. There is nothing like a string of Corvettes
to get everyone's attention! An hour after departure we arrived at Socorro and met up with
David and Jeanne Shorter who cruised up from Ruidoso and Fred and Cheryl Hernandez and their
group from El Paso. US-60 west through Magdalena to the VLA (on not a bad two lane highway
that probably would have seen some 3-digit speeds if it weren't for the fact that we always
obey the speed limit!) What a sight to see when you drive over the last hill and there the
antennas sit...gleaming white...in their Y formation.
We were met by Lou Serna, Engineering & Services Division Head, and Jon Thunborg, Engineering
& Services Deputy Division Head. We watched a video about the history of the array and then
split into two groups. Jon leading one group to the control station and Lou taking the other
for an up close view of one of the radio antenna's. Little did we know just how up close that
would be. Lou directed us into one of the buildings where he distributed our "hard hats"
(required for the accent). Yup..we were going right up the middle of the antenna...and inside
the dish itself. A few of us dare-devils actually worked our way up to the rim of the dish.
Check out the pictures!
After both groups toured the site, and expressed our thanks to both Lou and Jon for providing
us a day we won't forget, we headed back to Socorro for lunch at Socorro Springs. Brian and
his crew went over and above with excellent service and food. Somehow they managed to get all
57 of us served in record breaking time. With full bellies and smiles for the wonderful day
we just had, we headed home. A Corvette wave to Atomic City Corvettes and El Paso Corvettes
for joining us. Next time you see we are going on a cruise, you just may want to come along!
Editor note: More photos of this event may be viewed in the photo album section.