Unless you are heavily into learning about space or live in West Virginia, you probably have no clue where Green Bank is. Green Bank is a small town within Pocahontas County in West Virginia, home to barely 150 people. Why is it so special and wonderful? It is the quietest city in America and is home to the Green Bank Telescope.
Because of the observatory and other studies that are done there, Green Bank is located in the National Radio Quiet Zone. Therefore, you will never see a radio or cell tower while you're there. But what attracts people to live here? It could be the quietness of it, the lack of a busy atmosphere, or the small community feel, or it could be those who fear they suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity. These people believe that radio waves have caused them to become physically ill. Though it is a false illness, several people have emigrated to Green Bank to soothe their woes.
Why is it important that there be no radio waves for the telescope and observatory to operate? The Green Bank Telescope is the largest, steerable telescope in the world. They use it to observe objects that emit radio waves. That is enough to explain the absence of radio and cell towers in the area; they want to eliminate any air waves to better observe space. In addition, the telescope is simply extra sensitive because of its size. Any small interference could throw off their studies immensely.
This National Radio Quiet Zone spans roughly 13,000 square miles and you will hardly hear any complaints from the residents. They don't mind sacrificing certain parts of technology to benefit the telescope and its observations. It's quite ironic to live and work for the Green Bank Telescope. They are handling one of the most complex pieces of technology we have but can't even use basic technology like a cellphone or microwave while on the job.
The Green Bank Observatory and Telescope has brought us many great discoveries over the years. Green Bank, West Virginia is a marvel to behold. Wouldn't we all like a break from the noise as well?
