Re:Great, but... (Score 4)

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank is there because of the lack of radio noise... The mountains block out interference from cities, although there isn't really a "megalopolis" of note within any reasonable distance. As far as nearby sources go, radio stations have to get special licenses if they broadcast in its range, etc. They even send technicians out to repair broken appliances in the surrounding area if it is causing notable interference (such as microwaves)... And on my final bit of rant, they don't allow vehicles with sparkplugs out near the telescopes.... (gee, can't tell I have taken that tour too many times, aye?)

IIRC, there are four NRAO locations, the headquarters in Charlottesville VA and telescopes at Green Bank, Socorro NM, and Tucson AZ