Small Town Universe explores life in Green Bank, West Virginia – a remote community located inside the National Radio Quiet Zone. Here, the use of wireless technologies such as cell phones and Wi-Fi is heavily restricted to prevent interference with the nearby Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest fully-steerable radio telescope.
The film follows four unique residents whose lives are intertwined with the town and its namesake telescope: a young woman dreaming of a career in astrophysics, a retired engineer reflecting on his legacy, a longtime local rooted in Green Bank’s history, and a newcomer embracing life off-the-grid.
As federal funding hangs in the balance, their futures are inextricably tied to the survival of this scientific marvel and the Quiet Zone that makes it all possible.
The screening will take place 3-4pm ET on July 22, followed by a 30-minute post-screening conversation between Director Katie Dellamaggiore and Professor of the practice, Dr. Fanuel Muindi, who leads the Civic Science Media Lab.