Question E1B05:
[97.3] What is the National Radio Quiet Zone?  

Choices:  
A: An area surrounding the FCC monitoring station in Laurel, Maryland  
B: An area in New Mexico surrounding the White Sands Test Area  
C: An area surrounding the National Radio Astronomy Observatory  
D: An area in Florida surrounding Cape Canaveral    

Correct Answer is  C: An area surrounding the National Radio Astronomy Observatory  

Correct answer: C — An area surrounding the National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Why C is correct:
- The National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ) is a federally designated region centered around the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, West Virginia.
- Its purpose is to minimize man-made RF interference so extremely sensitive radio astronomy receivers can operate effectively.
- This is defined in Part 97 definitions, which the question cites as [97.3].

Why the other choices are incorrect:
- A: Laurel, Maryland houses an FCC monitoring facility, but there is no “National Radio Quiet Zone” designated around it.
- B: White Sands (New Mexico) is a military test range; it isn’t the NRQZ and is not primarily about protecting radio astronomy.
- D: Cape Canaveral (Florida) is a space launch site; again, not a protected radio-quiet area for astronomy.

Rules of thumb / memory aids:
- “Quiet Zone” in FCC/Part 97 context → think radio astronomy, not military or space.
- NRQZ pairs with NRAO: both start with “NR” (National Radio), and both are in West Virginia/nearby region.