Photo – Page 32 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Shadow in the snow cast by 300-foot Telescope

Since Green Bank is located in the mountains of West Virginia, it is not uncommon to see a significant amount of snowfall each winter.

Attaching the Surface to the 300-foot telescope

In early 1962, steelworkers attach the first surface panels of the 300-foot telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia. The panels were originally made from aluminum Squarex mesh.

300-foot telescope and location of failed gusset plate

Locating the Gusset Plate: The cause of the 300-foot’s collapse

After the investigation to determine the cause of the 300-foot telescope’s collapse on November 15, 1988, engineers pinpointed the location of the sheared metal gusset plate they found in the wreckage. The gusset plate is a thick sheet of steel used to hold and connect the beams of the telescope.

The completion of the 300-foot telescope

The 300-foot telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia was completed in 1962. Just a few years prior to its completion, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the National Radio Quiet Zone in 1958. The goal of this zone was to prevent harmful radio interference to the telescopes.

300-foot pierces its control building

On the night of November 15, 1988, the 300-foot telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia collapsed on to its control building, piercing it and knocking out all power. Thankfully, no-one was injured.

Salvaging 300-foot telescope equipment from Control Building

Workers remove equipment from 300-foot’s control building

Throughout the next day, staff assessed the damage, tried to save as much of the in-tact equipment as possible, and looked into what could have caused the collapse. Eventually, they learned there was no salvaging the downed antenna. However, the control room’s computers and other equipment were retrieved from the pierced control building.

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.