*Rats First Light! June 1st, 2007*

Welcome to the RATS page! The Radio Astronomy Team is a team of Grosse Pointe North and South High School students committed to working in astronomy. First created in November 1989 by advisor Ardis Herrold, this team has a rich and proud history which involves the building of two large radio telescopes. We investigate the radio and optical skies and have a lot of fun. Our first telescope, Jacob, was destroyed in a winter storm in 2000. We are now in the process of operating and improving a new telescope (the G.P.T.) to replace Jacob. For more information about the RATS up to this point, please visit the history section. If you like to build stuff, study the stars, and want to have a lot of fun, then you can join this club. No previous knowledge of Astronomy is required .We meet usually every Thursday at 3:30 P.M. to however long you can stay. Detail are posted on the schedule.

After more than 6 arduous years of construction, the Grosse Pointe Telescope finally achieved First Light on June 1st 2007. This was achieved by having several students manually pull the dish in front of the sun, and monitoring the back end’s output with a voltmeter. In the following week we implemented the hand paddle controlled motors and data logging equipment, creating a fairly functional telescope. On June 8th we celebrated first light by having an open house to the public at which we presented our work, gave out the coveted “brass rats”, and enjoyed refreshments.

Advisor:Ardis.Herrold@gpschools.org