Save the Stanford Radio Dishes
Just heard from old friend Mark Bracewell, who saw our new book Astronomy Hacks, and thought that I ought to know that there's a plan afoot to tear down the Stanford radio telescope dishes. There are a group of people who are petitioning Stanford to stop the demolition. According to the petition:
We strongly support the rescue of the Stanford Radio Telescope Dishes by the Friends of the Bracewell Observatory Association (FBOA) to open up the world of radio astronomy to Stanford's faculty, students, and community!If you agree, sign here
In light of the number of Stanford faculty and students who have already signed up to use the facility, FBOA's readiness to provide long-term funding and expert maintenance, and the fact that it carries a $10 million replacement cost, we feel it would be a tragedy for the telescope to be demolished for no compelling reason.
We urge you to suspend the planned demolition, and accept FBOA's offer to fully fund, refurbish, and maintain the observatory.
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Comments: 4
It seems to be a no-brainer (perhaps that's the problem? - sorry, unkind of me...) - it's both a piece of Stanford history, *and* a useful piece of scientific research equipment...and maybe a great picnic site, as well.
It ought to be a terrific experimental "lab" device for the teaching of practical (= dirty word?) Fourier Transforms...so, add "teaching facility" to the above.
THINK FIRST!!! (it can always be destroyed, but destruction can't be undone without a lot of $$$)
Because of its location nestled in the hills, it is, at a minimum, a beautiful sculpture that signifies peaceful coexistence of nature and technology with an emphasis on sensing long distances. Even if it becomes non-operational, it should be kept. (I'm thinking of the big white dish that can be seen from the 280 freeway.)
Any idea where this stands?
Searching the web, the last mention of this is in relation to the obituaries for Ronald Bracewell.
Was this radio dish ever saved?
Has it been returned to active use?
Thanks.
