Photo – Page 61 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

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 GBI in 1968

The 85-3 and the 85-2 twin 85-foot telescopes working together with the 85-1 (not shown) in the Green Bank Interferometer, the NRAO’s first array. The GBI operated from 1967-2006. From 1978-1996, it was operated in support of USNO and NRL geodetic and astronomy programs; after 1996 in support of NASA High Energy Astrophysics programs. In the background of this photo, the 300-foot telescope ghosts through the trees.

Twin Telescopes

Green Bank Interferometer

All three 85-foot telescopes of the roughly east-west arm of the Green Bank Interferometer, the NRAO’s first array. A fourth member of the GBI would have been in operation about 13 miles away. The GBI operated from 1967-2006. From 1978-1996, it was operated in support of USNO and NRL geodetic and astronomy programs; after 1996 in support of NASA High Energy Astrophysics programs.

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.