Steel Masterpiece

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Steel Masterpiece

Over 13,000 steel beams support the world’s largest fully-steerable telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia. The Green Bank Telescope (GBT) weighs 17 million pounds, and has been observing the radio skies since 2000.

Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF

GBT Radio Telescopes and Technology

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More GBT Images & Videos

New Technology Offers to Broaden Vision for Radio Astronomy

Innovation Advances ‘Phased Array Feed’ Imaging System

Telescope technician wearing safety sunglasses

Safety Sunglasses Required

Readjusting the GBT’s Surface

Tightening the metal plates of the GBT Track

Underside of the GBT

Green Bank Machinists

Summer Students at Green Bank

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.