Photo – Page 60 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Technicians inspecting a VLA antenna's elevation gear

Elevation Gear Overhaul

Inside the Antenna Assembly Building at the Very Large Array (VLA) in central New Mexico, technicians inspect the giant elevation gear of an antenna.

The NRAO set up its Green Bank Observatory offices in an old farm house owned by the Beard family. It was later nicknamed ‘The Nutbin” — not for reasons one may think, but because the gutters collected falling nuts from that tree behind it. The Nutbin was also a laboratory, and these first telescopes on site sent their radio wave data directly to the astronomers working inside the Nutbin. From left to right, the telescopes are a feed horn sticking out of the window, a 12-foot, and a 20-foot. These were used to test radio interference and atmospheric conditions.

Engineering in Green Bank

Green Bank Engineer Ike Johnson sketches some new ideas for the Green Bank Telescope (GBT).

Measuring to High Precision

Dwayne Barker is using a microscope to inspect and make measurements on a part. The microscope has a grid inside that can be used to measure the size of features on even our smallest machined components.

Governor’s School

The National Youth Science Foundation and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory collaborate to run the West Virginia Governor’s School for Mathematics and Science at the NRAO in Green Bank, West Virginia. Students stay in the dormitories and use the 40-foot telescope as well as do microbiology and botany field work experiments in the nearby forests.

High Tech Tour in Green Bank

Green Bank hosts High Tech Tours to give visitors a truly behind-the-scenes look at the incredible custom-made electronics and engineering that goes into our many telescopes.

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.