Enchanted Frequencies: Shane Baca Trailer

Shane Baca joined me on the Star River on Apr 18, 2026.

Let's see where the currents took us...

Powered by RedCircle

In this preview of the second episode of the Enchanted Frequencies series, The Astropotamus talks with the VLA Facilities Manager.

Shane Baca leads the team that's responsible for everything at the VLA that isn't science. The dishes, the lights, the parking lot, and the toilets. It's his team that makes those 240-ton dishes move when they need to. It's his team that fixes them when they break.

And I got to talk to him about it.

"No popcorn today!"

Come hear a snippet of Shane's conversation with me in the breakroom of the control building of the Very Large Array. Come hear how "blue collar" is just as important as "engineer" or "scientist" when it comes to peeling back the layers of the Cosmos. Come back next week for the full episode!

Join the Mission

  • Support the Journey: You can help fuel this expedition and gain access to exclusive raw data and field notes and exclusive images and merchandise.
  • The 855-DEEP-SKY Hotline: Have a question for our guests at the VLA or UNM? Have a suggestion for a hidden gem in the desert? Call 855-333-7759 and leave a message. With your permission, your voice will become part of the Star River Podcast!

Connect with the Current:

Topics & Keywords: Astronomy, VLA, Very Large Array, New Mexico, Astrophotography, Science Communication, Indigenous Astronomy, Gathering of Nations, Radio Astronomy, Finger Lakes Wine, Space Philosophy.


About Shane Baca

The Cosmic Vintage

Astropotamus Shane Baca
Water

The River's currents may have ended here for the day, but the journey continues at astropotamus.com. You can find more Star River episodes, equipment reviews, general articles and how-to information about astrophotography, and lots more on this website. If you'd like to lend your support to my production efforts, there's a list of ways you can help out on my support page.

When you're ready to wade deeper into the current, join your fellow time travelers on the Star River Discord. We're all traveling this river together - and whether you want to join the crew in our chat or even become a guest on the show, I'd love to have you aboard.

Until the next bend in the River... clear skies, and I'll see you in the dark!

-Astropotamus