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The Green Bank Observatory exists within an exclusion zone where mobile phones and digital cameras are forbidden.

In contrast to so much of existence today, this is an analog experience, and one which is humbling in so many ways.

There is the simple overwhelming physical presence of these colossal radio telescopes. The largest of them is so vast that the wheels it uses to rotate are the size of locomotives.

Unlike urban skyscrapers, they preside over empty ground, highlighting their inhuman scale; but, their physical mass is the least of it.

Their purpose is to look deep into the vastness of our universe, and backwards toward the origin of time. To think on the light years travelled by the radio waves they listen for is to realize how tiny all of humanity is.

Despite that, one leaves them moved with awe for our little species. Our engineers built these things. Our scientists unravel their messages.

The darkness is enormous, but we understand it better than any civilization that has ever existed.

This is one of the most amazing places we have ever visited. Anywhere. If you have the chance, make the trip.

Just make sure you have a map, because you can’t use your phone to get here or away.

Next stop: the Great Bend Tunnel.

Full video here.