This thing is really cool. And HUGE. It's different from an optical telescope in that it maps space using radio waves and can therefore "see" space in a different way. When you get out there, it feels a little bit like a 1950's Cold War government operation. Because th
ey're doing everything they can to minimize radio interference, they don't allow cell phones (there aren't any cell towers anyway) or digital cameras...and they only allow diesel cars near the telescope because spark plugs have an arc that causes interference. So they have a fleet of 1950's era cars that are really low-tech (and they're all painted sky blue).It's a bit of an undiscovered gem- the tours are free, the people are friendly, and they didn't mind our kids running around like maniacs in the visitor center. Maggie was super excited about riding on the bus for the tour. All in all, a good adventure with some educational value hidden inside.
p.s. This picture is not of the big radio telescope. This is the "original" radio telescope, built in 1937, by Grote Reber, in his backyard. It includes parts from his Model T Ford. Seriously.
