ECHO horn antenna, 1962

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ECHO horn antenna, 1962

ECHO horn antenna. This horn reflector antenna at Bell Telephone Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey, USA, was built in 1959. It was used for pioneering work with NASAs ECHO balloon satellites. Aluminium with a steel base, it is over 15 metres long and weighs 18 tons. It was later modified to work with Telstar communication satellites. It is most famous for its use in 1963-4 by US astrophysicists Robert W. Wilson and Arno A. Penzias to unexpectedly discover the microwave background radiation from the Big Bang origin of the universe. In 1990 it was designated a US National Historic Landmark. Photographed in June 1962

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Media ID 9223499

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1900s 1960s 1962 Aluminium Antenna Big Bang Communications Satellite Echo Engineering Evidence June Nasa New Jersey North American Receiver Reflection Space Flight Space Race Spaceflight National Historic Landmark Wilson

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic ECHO horn antenna, a remarkable piece of engineering located at Bell Telephone Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey. Constructed in 1959, this colossal aluminium structure with a steel base stands over 15 meters tall and weighs an astonishing 18 tons. Originally designed for groundbreaking experiments involving NASA's ECHO balloon satellites, it later underwent modifications to facilitate communication with Telstar satellites. However, its most significant contribution to science came unexpectedly in 1963-4 when astrophysicists Robert W. Wilson and Arno A. Penzias utilized this very antenna to make a groundbreaking discovery. While conducting research on radio waves, they stumbled upon evidence of microwave background radiation originating from the Big Bang – the birth of our universe. In recognition of its historical importance and scientific significance, this monumental structure was designated as a US National Historic Landmark in 1990. This photograph captures the essence of human ingenuity intertwined with astronomical exploration during the space race era of the mid-20th century. The image not only highlights the technological prowess behind this magnificent creation but also emphasizes how it played an integral role in unraveling one of humanity's greatest mysteries – providing concrete evidence for the cosmic microwave background radiation that permeates our universe since its inception. This stunning visual representation serves as a testament to both scientific progress and human curiosity about our place within the vast expanse of space.

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