Lab 304: Outlook introduces science segment highlighting state achievements

West Virginia Public Broadcasting introduced a new segment to its weekly news and public affairs television program "Outlook" this week during the Thursday show. "Lab 304" is an on-going series of stories focusing on activities of West Virginians exploring the vast world of math and science.

"Outlook" airs on West Virginia PBS each Thursday at 9 p.m. and repeats the following Sunday at 6 p.m. There is also a broadcast Sunday at 10 p.m. on West Virginia PBS Cable, available via Suddenlink and Time Warner cable systems in limited areas.

On this week’s premiere of "Lab 304" viewers learned about the challenges of replacing the azimuth track on the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope. Scientists from around the world use this telescope to study virtually all types of astronomical objects, from planets and comets in our own Solar System to quasars and galaxies billions of light-years away. The azimuth track is used to calculate distance.

Throughout the refurbishing project, West Virginia Public Broadcasting cameras were granted access in, on and around the 420-foot structure--capturing unique images of how the telescope is constructed and used.

Some of this footage was recently featured on the PBS program "Wired Science."

"Lab 304" video clips are available online on YouTube and the WVEPSCoR website.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory operates the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope and several other telescopes.

Support for "Lab 304" is provided by West Virginia Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.