IN THE LAST WEEK I LEARNED

In the last week, I learned that we have a radio quiet zone in this country.  Within that zone, is Green Bank, West Virginia.  All radio transmissions, except emergency, are prohibited by law.  The city is home to our country's largest radio telescope.  If you ever skied at Snowshoe Mountain, you were close to Green Bank. 

Green Bank's population is less than 200 and most of them are people who think they are hypersensitive to radio waves.  The city has radio police who constantly search for illegal radio waves.   Television reception is allowed by cable.

The part of Green Bank nearest the government's radio telescope is so restrictive that residents cannot use microwave ovens.  If you're wondering, your cell phone is really a radio.  WiFi is a no-no.  Get this; in the highest restriction area, all auto and truck engines must be diesel because gas engines transmit radio waves by the spark of their spark plugs.

The total quiet zone is huge - encompassing 13,000 square miles.  The military and science people carry on research there and "who knows" what else.  It sounds like an interesting place but not one I'll put on my bucket list.
😑