300 Foot Telescope

The 300 Foot Telescope could not be moved over the full 60 degree range of zenith angle allowed by the drive system without the rim hitting the ground. Frank Drake suggested digging a ditch on the south side to lower the elevation limit. Excavations hit bedrock just six feet below the surface. Perhaps some dynamite? Many were anxious that a blast might damage the new antenna. Rocks and debris flew, one rock put a foot-wide hole in the telescope surface, but there was no other damage, and the southern declination limit was successfully extended to minus 19 degrees.

Records of the NRAO

NRAO/AUI/NSF

Still Image

1962-08-28

NRAO/AUI/NSF

GB62-00944

Photographs Series

300 Foot Telescope Unit

2A