I got to check off a bucket list item by visiting the Very Large Array near Magdalena, New Mexico. This radio telescope array contains 27 large antennas which are arranged in a Y formation. They can be spaced in four different configurations to optimize the resolution for the subjects being observed. During my visit, the array was in its widest configuration so the they were spaced approximately 13 miles along each arm.
On my first day, I managed to capture a nice sunset but clouds prevented any night timelapse options.
For my second day, I visited some lightning research colleagues at New Mexico Tech in Socorro, and then spent the entire night recording timelapses in various locations. During a night timelapse recording to the north, I witnessed an incredibly bright green fireball close to the dish I was recording. A high-speed coronal hole stream had arrived that evening (Apr 17th, 2026) and parameters became favorable for aurora visibility down to the mid latitudes. I checked my live cameras back in Rapid City, South Dakota (44º north) and green and red aurora was visible during a substorm after midnight. I was skeptical I would be able to record anything at latitude 34º north, but to my surprise I captured a faint Stable Auroral Red arc and some red columns low on the horizon during the substorm.
A couple hours before sunrise, I repositioned to try and capture Comet C/2025 R3 Panstarrs rising in the east-northeast during early twilight. This was one of the last days it might be visible as it accelerated closer to the sun and the brighter dawn sky. I was able to capture its long wispy tail.
On my third day, I attended the open house at the VLA and a night photography workshop hosted by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. A 4% crescent waxing moon made for a nice timelapse as it, followed by Venus, set toward one of the antennas. We also photographed the Next Generation Very Large Array prototype antenna.
Overall it was great experiencing the incredibly dark skies at the VLA during the new moon. The weather cooperated, and I was treated with a couple of bonus meteors and even some faint aurora. Another bucket list item checked off.
