Death Rays in the Desert

When we motor between Arizona and Texas, we are ALWAYS looking for a different route.  After having driven between these two states umpteen times, it seems we can always find something new.  Did you know while we were driving back to Arizona, we came across a GROUP OF MEGA DEATH RAYS IN NEW MEXICO!!!!!

That got your attention, didn't it?  Well, they aren't EXACTLY death rays; they just look like they are.  Actually, these are radio telescopes, and they are part of The Very Large Array off Highway 60 west of Clovis.

Can you believe that name?  These people have obviously never thought about 'punching up the name' to make it more appealing.  It really is called 'The Very Large Array', and some very serious astronomy is going on at the array.  For example, the gravitational wave was documented here.  (Look it up.)

Another fascinating thing they have there is the Bracewell Sun Dial.  It's named for a famous astronomer, and it shows using the shadow cast by the "Sun" - center pedestal with big silver ball -  things like the equinoxes and the summer solstice, and so forth.

Here I am standing in the Sun Dial with one of the radio telescopes in the background.  I managed to take a few more pictures for those interested.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NrlAjp6jykE12dlP2

(I still think these things are Death Rays directed at outer space aliens, and the telescope thing is a cover story.)