University Will Dedicate Largest U.S. Telescope

The largest radio telescope in the United States, part of the Harvard Observatory, will be dedicated this afternoon in Harvard, Mass., to the memory of George R. Agassiz, a great benefactor of Harvard astronomy.

This new instrument will aid immensely in the development of the young science of radio astronomy. It will receive invisible waves from outer space, enabling astronomers to chart the fine structure of our galaxy and analyze its invisible components such as radio stars and gas stars.

Donald H. Menzel, Director of the Harvard Observatory, will preside at the ceremonies. President Pusey, Lloyd V. Berkner, President of Associated Universities, and John P. Hagen of the Naval Research Laboratory will speak to the gathered scientists, University spokesmen, and public officials.

Before the dedication, Bart J. Bok, Robert Wheeler Professor of Applied Astronomy and co-director of Harvard's Radio Telescope Program, will preside at the first public description of the new telescope.

With its 60 foot paraboloid antenna and intricate electronic recording equipment, the telescope will serve to more accurately map the most distant sections of our galaxy. In a symposium at the Observatory, various scientists will discuss some of the recent achievements in radio astronomy and speculate on what may be uncovered by the new equipment.