![]() Without this so-called “active surface”, observations at frequencies above 4 GHz would not be as efficient. The actuators adjust the panel positions to correct for distortions due to gravity which change as the telescope moves. The panels are made from aluminium to a surface accuracy of better than 0.003 inches (76.2 micrometers) RMS. The surface area of the GBT is a 100 by 110 meter active surface with 2,209 actuators (a small motor used to adjust the position) for the 2,004 surface panels. The observatory borders the National Forest and is shielded from radio interference by the Allegheny mountains. The existence of the telescope within the Radio Quiet Zone allows for the detection of faint scientific signals which otherwise would be eclipsed by man-made signals. The telescope sits near the heart of the United States National Radio Quiet Zone, a large area where all radio transmissions are limited to avoid emissions toward the GBT and the Sugar Grove Research Facility, West Virginia. The previous telescope collapsed on 15 November 1988 due to the sudden loss of a gusset plate in the box girder assembly, which was a key component for the structural integrity of the telescope. The current telescope was built following the collapse of the previous Green Bank telescope, a 90.44m paraboloid. Facilities of the Green Bank Observatory are also used for other scientific research, for many programs in education and public outreach, and for training students and teachers. The high sensitivity mapping capability of the GBT makes it a necessary complement to ALMA, the EVLA, the VLBA, and other high angular resolution interferometers. The GBT is also readily reconfigured with new and experimental hardware, adopting the best technology for any scientific pursuit. It is scheduled dynamically to match project needs to the available weather. Part of the scientific strength of the GBT is its flexibility and ease of use, allowing for rapid response to new scientific ideas. Its operation is highly efficient, and it is used for astronomy about 6500 hours every year, with 2000-3000 hours per year going to high frequency science. The GBT is fully steerable, and 85% of the entire celestial sphere is accessible. Its 100-meter diameter collecting area, unblocked aperture, and excellent surface accuracy provide excellent sensitivity across the telescope’s full 0.1 – 116 GHz operating range. The GBT operates at meter to millimeter wavelengths. The telescope honors the name of the late Senator Robert C. It is part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) site at Green Bank, West Virginia, USA. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope.
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