When you look at the night sky, you can see many
visible objects because they reflect or emit light. What you don’t see
are the other kinds of waves that are emitted by the universe. They can
also put off radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet
light, x-rays, and gamma rays. We can only observe visible light and
radio waves from Earth because the Earth’s atmosphere absorbs the other
waves. To observe radio waves, a radio telescope must be used.
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory operates
the world’s largest radio telescope (328-ft. diameter), located in Green
Bank. The observatory contains many other telescopes of varying
diameters, including one 140-ft. telescope, three 85-ft. telescopes, and
a 40-ft. telescope that is an educational instrument for small scale
research used by teachers and students ranging from 5th grade to
I, along with my astronomy class from Glenville
State College, had the opportunity to utilize this educational telescope
this month. The telescope was constructed in the early 1960s, and uses
the same machinery to operate. The first day, we were taught how to use
the machinery and operate the telescope. The most difficult part for me
was that the telescope operates as a machine rather than a computer. So,
I was the one that had to adjust knobs, flip switches, and start
processes, rather than a computer doing it.
Our goal as a class was to observe the Milky Way at
different times to determine whether or not the Milky Way is a spiral
galaxy. A spiral galaxy is shaped like a flat rotating disk that
contains stars, dust, and gases. The Earth’s placement within the Milky
Way makes it difficult to determine the shape of it. Think of it as
being a single chocolate chip inside a chocolate chip pancake. You
cannot leave the pancake and it is hard to see through it.
The data collected can be assessed to determine if
the Milky Way is moving toward or away from us. Since the galaxy is a
spiral, at some times it should be moving toward us and, at others
times, moving away. If you spin in a circle, some objects are moving
toward you at one point and away at another. The Milky Way would work in
the same manner.
Each group went to the telescope at a different
time and collected data for an hour. After this hour, members of each
group would work together to calculate the math needed to find what kind
of shift (toward or away) the galaxy had. Each group presented their
findings on the last day of the trip.
If you enjoy science, you should plan a trip to the
NRAO in Green Bank to take advantage of all they have to offer. Hands-on
experiences and tours can make science come alive. The Science Center is
open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.