NASA has issued a grant to install a radio telescope that will help expand the ETSU observatory.
Dr. Beverly Smith, an assistant professor in the physics department, said the radio telescope offers many advantages over the conventional optical telescope. The radio telescope can be used to look at new astronomical objects in the sky. It is convenient for observers because it can be used not only at night, but also during the day.
Smith explained that the high-speed particles from the black holes in galaxies produce radio waves, which can then be viewed through the radio telescope. The telescope can be used to help search for extraterrestrial life and new galaxies.
“It will really open up a new window of the universe,” Smith said. “We will be seeing things in a different way.”
The delivery of the telescope is scheduled for May, and it will be prepared for use during the summer. Dr. Gary Henson, an assistant physics professor, will be in charge of getting the telescope working. The physics department will hold an open house in the fall to welcome the use of the new telescope.
The observatory already features a 14-inch telescope and eight 8-inch telescopes.
Smith said “the idea is to give students experience” by using the telescopes for astronomy labs and public outreach.
The observatory is located approximately 20 minutes by trail from Seminole Ridge Apartments. It is open to the public every other Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Groups are welcome to attend.
Call 439-4231 for more information.

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