A Thousand Points of Light

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A Thousand Points of Light

The 2004 panels of the Green Bank Telescope have apple-sized reflector bulbs embedded in them. Engineers can light the surface of the GBT and measure the brightnesses of each reflector to map the curvature of the dish. The shape of the dish, a perfect parabola, must be kept for the telescope to reflect radio waves accurately into its receivers.

Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF

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A Thousand Points of Light

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.