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The 100-meter diameter Green Bank Telescope, world's largest fully steerable dish, was dedicated at NRAO Green Bank WV on 25 August 2000, just two days after achieving first light. The giant dish is celebrated in song. SETI League photo

Welcoming guests and introducing speakers at the GBT dedication ceremony was Dr. Paul A. Vanden Bout, Director of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. SETI League photo

The three invited speakers to address the crowd at the GBT dedication included NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin... SETI League photo

... the noted microbiologist Dr. Rita R. Colwell, now Director of the National Science Foundation ... SETI League photo

... and the hon. Robert C. Byrd, Democratic Senator from the state of West Virginia. It was Byrd who, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations committee, pushed through the emergency appropriation which made possible the construction of this telescope. SETI League photo

Some of the hundreds of scientists and citizens who turned out in the heat of a West Virginia August afternoon to witness the dedication of the Green Bank Telescope. SETI League photo

After weeks organizing the event, Mr. Mike Holstein, NRAO Green Bank facilities manager, relaxes in the audience and enjoys the dedication of the world's newest radio telescope. SETI League photo

Senator Byrd and his fellow dignitaries cut the ribbon to dedicate the Green Bank Telescope ... SETI League photo

... which is now appropriately renamed the Robert C. Byrd Telescope, as indicated on the dedication sculpture just unveiled. SETI League photo

The SETI League's newest member is the hon. Robert C. Byrd, United States Senator from West Virginia. He was honored at the dedication of the 100-meter diameter Green Bank Telescope (now known as the Robert Byrd Telescope), the world's largest fully steerable dish. SETI League photo