Photo – Page 90 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Dish Support Structure

The backup structure of the Green Bank Telescope is an engineering marvel. This crisscross of beams carries an array of 2209 small motors that support the GBT’s 2.3-acre surface of aluminum plates.

GBT Gleaming in the Snow

The 100-meter Green Bank Telescope gleams after a light snowfall in West Virginia.

GBT's backup structure and surface panels

Paneling the GBT

The backup structure of the Green Bank Telescope is a crisscross of beams that carries an array of 2209 small motors that support a 2.3-acre surface of aluminum plates.

In a Frame of Color

The Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is always picture-perfect when autumn comes to its gorgeous West Virginia home.

The Green Bank Science Center is open year-round for visitors. Our 25,000 square foot facility contains the Catching the Wave Exhibit Hall, 150-seat auditorium, StarLab Classroom, gift shop, and even a café. We offer hands-on activities and StarLab sessions in addition to guided bus tours of the telescopes.

Green Bank in 1965

The Green Bank site, circa January 1965, as viewed from the southwest. The 300-foot dish is turned away from the camera on the left, with the brand new 140-foot (43-meter) telescope staring straight up. To the right are two elements of the Green Bank Interferometer (GBI), the NRAO’s first array.

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.