Photo – Page 65 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Tatel Telescope in Autumn

The historic 85-foot Howard E. Tatel telescope in Green Bank. It was the first radio telescope of the NRAO and began observing on February 13, 1959. The Tatel became famous in 1960 for performing the world’s first SETI observations under the direction of Dr. Frank Drake.

Frank Drake and the Tatel 85-foot telescope

Father of SETI with SETI’s First Telescope

Dr. Frank Drake, one of the NRAO’s first astronomers, poses with the NRAO’s first radio telescope, the 85-foot Howard E. Tatel.

Itty Bitty Teaching Telescope

Discarded satellite television and internet antennas are retrofitted as tiny radio telescopes with a simple adjustment to become educational tools for teachers and youth leaders.

Open House at the Green Bank Science Center

Hands-on Fun at the Green Bank Science Center

During Open Houses at the Green Bank Science Center, volunteers give hands-on demonstrations with audience participation.

Atrium of the Green Bank Science Center

The Green Bank Science Center in West Virginia has a large glassed-in atrium that is used as seating for the cafeteria and for special events. The Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is the star of the gorgeous view.

Moving a Model of the GBT

In the Green Bank Science Center, visitors can send commands to this model of the Green Bank Telescope and watch how it moves in response.

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.