An Incredible 140-foot

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An Incredible 140-foot

The 140-foot dish of this telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia is supported by a 266-ton aluminum dish superstructure (BUS). A huge yoke is attached to the tilting axis that runs through the BUS, allowing the enture dish to dip and lift on a 42-foot diameter gear. The yoke’s middle is anchored to a 67-foot long shaft that is parallel to the axis of the Earth. The yoke can then turn on its huge gear against the spinning of the Earth to let the 140-foot (43-meter) telescope track objects in the sky.

Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the 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 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.