The radio dishes at Camp Westerbork or on the Dwingelder heath are perhaps the most photographed objects in the area. But few people actually know what they are photographing. Because guess what? The iconic antenna box is actually a refrigerator.
It is no secret for Lute van de Bult, operator of the Westerbork telescope. In fact, it is the most normal thing in the world for him. He works with the instruments every day and knows every part of it. “Yes, it is actually a refrigerator,” he confirms. “The box must be waterproof and that is why we used refrigerator doors. This also ensures that the temperature is stable.”
The radio telescopes in the forests near Westerbork and Dwingeloo consist of a dish and an antenna. Where all radio waves come together in a focal point, the temperature can rise considerably. So the scientists use what they have at their fingertips to maintain temperatures.
It is not the only practical solution found in the past 75 years. “Also think of Action pan pads,” laughs Van de Bult. “We use the metal scouring pads to make rooms radio-tight and to prevent interference from leaking from a cabinet.”
According to Van de Bult, it was one of the first things he learned at ASTRON: to look around you for objects that could be useful. “Nothing can simply be bought on its own. You will have to improvise with the things around you.”
Those improvisation skills and ingenuity also come in handy in technology. “In astronomy we are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible with current technology and pushing those boundaries,” explains Emma van Wateren of ASTRON. “The inventions that are made regularly also prove to be very useful for matters closer to home.”
She points to, for example, the development of WiFi to which ASTRON contributed and the invention of 7G, for which they have now also invented an important piece of the puzzle.
In the three-part series Whispers from the Dark RTV Drenthe reflects on the unsolved mysteries and questions about the universe. In this second episode we dive into the world of inventions and technology. ASTRON is at the forefront of developments. But what use is all that knowledge? More than you think.
Watch the second episode below: