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

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

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

The National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ) is a designated area where radio transmissions are highly restricted to minimize interference with radio telescopes and other scientific research facilities. Here's why the correct answer is C:

1. **Correct Answer: C - An area surrounding the National Radio Astronomy Observatory**
   - The NRQZ is specifically established to protect the sensitive equipment at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, West Virginia, and the Sugar Grove Station. This area is crucial for radio astronomy research, as it minimizes radio frequency interference (RFI) from external sources.

2. **Why the Other Choices are Incorrect:**
   - **A: An area surrounding the FCC monitoring station in Laurel, Maryland**
     - This is incorrect because the FCC monitoring station in Laurel is not part of the NRQZ. The station is used for monitoring and enforcement of radio regulations, but it does not have the same level of radio transmission restrictions as the NRQZ.
   - **B: An area in New Mexico surrounding the White Sands Test Area**
     - This is incorrect because the White Sands Test Area is primarily a military testing ground, and while it may have some radio restrictions, it is not designated as the NRQZ.
   - **D: An area in Florida surrounding Cape Canaveral**
     - This is incorrect because Cape Canaveral is a space launch site, and while it has its own set of radio frequency management protocols, it is not part of the NRQZ.

3. **Useful Information:**
   - The NRQZ covers approximately 13,000 square miles in parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.
   - Radio transmissions in this area are regulated to prevent interference with the sensitive radio telescopes used for astronomical observations.

Understanding the purpose and location of the NRQZ is important for amateur radio operators to ensure compliance with regulations and to support scientific research efforts.