Link to Mr Johnsons Web page

 

Visit to the VLBA Radio Telescope near Brewster, Wa.

 

The VLBA Stands for the Very Long Baseline Array.  It is a 10-telescope network that crosses North America and provides scientists with the most powerful astronomical observing device in the world.  All objects radiate electromagnetic waves, as long as they are at a temperature above absolute zero.  The VLBA detects the radio portion of these waves and by employing supercomputers; their astronomers can simulate an antenna the size of the planet.   This field trip demonstrates academic and technical career paths for students, and gives a concrete example of how electromagnetic radiation can be utilized to shape our understanding of the universe.

 

 

Bob Sanderson begins to explain the basics of the Antenna.

 

 

Students grab a quick picture in front of the antenna before we split into two groups.

 

 

While in the nearby support facility; Mark Hoffman (far left) shows off the telescopes time base: A Hydrogen Maser.  These are highly accurate time bases, often capable of only loosing or gaining 1 second in about 63 million years.

 

 

Mr Hoffman shows off one of the 4-Terrabyte data transfer devices.  These record high resolution data from the radio telescope and are sent to a central location in New Mexico for processing.  (4-Terrabytes =  4,000 Gigabytes  =  about  2,000,000,000 Typed Double spaced sheets of paper)

 

 

With the antenna turned up, we go to climb it to the top.

 

 

Bob Sanderson showing us the main gear that turns the 240 ton antenna.

 

 

We climb, we climb….

Here is a small VIDEO CLIP from our climb.

 

As we ascend, students notice (and interpret) Chinese characters on one of the main receiving instruments.

 

 

Bob Sanderson pointing out a feeder horn that “funnels” the radio frequencies down to a detector at its base.

 

 

Walking around in the dish.  The dish is 25 meters across (82 feet).

 

 

A group picture where we could see a view.  The paint rubbed off on our pants a little.

 

Here is a small VIDEO CLIP of us on the antenna.

 

A final group picture of us before leaving..