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BIG EAR RADIO OBSERVATORY FREE OPEN HOUSE AND TOUR

Saturday, May 13, 1-4 PM

The Ohio State University Radio Observatory will conduct guided tours 
of its Big Ear Radio Telescope, leaving the parking area every
15 minutes and lasting about an hour. The Radio Telescope is the
size of three football fields, and is among the largest in the
world.

The OSU Radio Telescope is recognized throughout the world as
having made the first detailed radio maps of the sky, and for
conducting the world's longest Search for ExtraTerrestrial
Intelligence (SETI). The SETI research began in 1972 and continues
today, with NASA support. Researchers will be available at the
open house to explain what kinds of radio signals are being
searched for and the possibilities of success. The WOW! signal
discovered by the OSU telescope in 1977 remains a mystery that will
probably never be explained.

In addition to the Radio Telescope itself, other highlights of
the tour will include radio photographs of each visitor, the
Flag of Earth, and the new four-million channel receiver
system just installed. This receiver contains a computer that is
faster than a Cray supercomputer in searching for alien radio
signals.

The open house and tour is an excellent opportunity for individuals
and families to come and observe scientific research that looks
beyond our humble planet into other solar systems and galaxies.
 
The Big Ear Radio Telescope is located on State Route 23 between
Columbus and Delaware. It is on the East side of the highway 
just south of where routes 23 and 315 intersect and cross the
Olentangy river. As you enter the driveway, take all left-hand
turns, and ignore threatening signs.