8/10/2023 0 Comments Telescope wv![]() ![]() “I monitored the actual construction of the telescope,” Lockman said. This collapse allowed the observatory to receive funding for the next generation of radio telescopes, including the famous Green Bank Telescope. These telescopes had been built since the mid-1950s when the observatory was first dedicated. At that time, the observatory was still part of the NRAO, and there were about seven or eight smaller telescopes located on the grounds. Through this work, Lockman became involved with the construction of the telescope.Īccording to Lockman, construction on the Green Bank Radio Telescope began after a 300’ telescope collapsed. in Astronomy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.ĭuring an internship, Lockman said he was assigned to work with an astronomer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) headquartered in Charlottesville, VA. “My parents said I was always interested in science,” Lockman remembered.Īfter high school, he attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, and later received his Ph.D. “Now, we have been following the rotation of Venus for 20 years.”ĭuring this time the field of radio astronomy grew, and even though studying Venus is only about five percent of what those at the observatory work on today, they continue to make many other discoveries, Lockman said.įor Lockman, these discoveries have all taken place on his watch. “If you study the spin of an object, you can tell what is going on inside,” Lockman continued. “We generally receive natural radio signals, but this was an unusual experiment.” “The pattern only aligns up every so often,” Lockman said. “That is what happens when a radar is shined on Venus, a pattern comes back and sweeps across the United States for a short time.”Ī NASA radar facility shot radars at Venus, and the Green Bank Telescope, along with the coordination of another telescope, was able to receive a return signal to determine the rate at which Venus spins. “When you shine a light at a disco ball, a pattern of lights will sweep across the floor,” Lockman said. He explained that to understand radar imaging, one must think of the surface of Venus as a disco ball. One of the main topics of discussion will be the first experiment conducted by those at the telescope.Īlthough the Green Bank Telescope had “First Light” in 2000, the first experiment became a success on March 24, 2001, when the telescope made a detailed radar image of the surface of Venus, Lockman said. Lockman, this event is virtual and will be presented in a way that is accessible to all - even those without degrees in physics or astronomy. ![]() On April 21 and 22, scientists, engineers and staff members who helped construct the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope will be telling stories and discussing what it was like to be present during that exciting time.Īccording to Green Bank Observatory Lead Scientist, Dr. Folks at the Green Bank Observatory are celebrating 20 years of innovation and discovery for the world-famous Green Bank Telescope and they are inviting those in the community to celebrate with them. ![]()
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