The next-generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) prototype, developed by the U.S. National Science Foundation's National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO), has reached a significant milestone by gathering its 'first light' in New Mexico. This achievement signifies the transition from the construction phase to astronomical testing and sets the foundation for a larger array of 244 antennas. The ngVLA will enhance radio astronomy capabilities, offering 10 times the effective collecting area and improved sensitivity compared to the current Very Large Array (VLA) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). The project is expected to stimulate New Mexico's economy by creating construction jobs, long-term operational positions, and educational opportunities. NSF NRAO scientists, including Chris Carilli and Paul Demorest, expressed excitement over the prototype's performance, which included successful observations of various astronomical sources. As engineers continue testing and calibration, the ngVLA aims to become a flagship instrument for radio astronomy, with potential applications extending beyond astronomy.