IEEE Milestone to Commemorate Innovations that Confirmed the Big Bang

PISCATAWAY, N.J., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization advancing technology for humanity, today announced the commemoration of the IEEE Milestone Project Echo, Telstar, and Discovery of Cosmic Background Radiation that provided evidence confirming the Big Bang Theory. The super-sensitive, horn-shaped antenna was instrumental in the experiments that led to this discovery and established the foundation for modern satellite communications and solar cell technology. The ceremony will be held on 16 May 2025 at Dr. Robert Wilson Park in Holmdel, N.J., where the antenna is located.

Nobel Laureate and IEEE-HKN Eminent Member Dr. Robert W. Wilson, one of the two Bell Labs radio astronomers who first detected cosmic background radiation using the antenna, is scheduled to deliver remarks at the event. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Arno A. Penzias were awarded the 1978 Nobel Prize in Physics for their revolutionary discovery. IEEE will honor these achievements during the event with remarks from distinguished global technical leaders and local representatives, culminating in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the historic Holmdel Horn Antenna site.

"The unique Horn Antenna constructed in Holmdel, New Jersey, led to verifying the Big Bang Theory, which describes the formation of the Universe -- shaping our understanding of this universe and our place in it," said Thomas Coughlin, 2024 IEEE President. "Cosmic background radiation, one of the most transformative discoveries in the second half of the twentieth century, has also led to non-terrestrial communication innovations that address some of the world's greatest needs, including disaster relief aid, telehealth services, and others. This commemoration, made possible by local IEEE volunteers and Holmdel Township, will serve to inform and inspire the public for generations to come."

Between 1959-1960, NASA and AT&T developed a satellite Earth station in Holmdel, NJ, featuring the innovative tracking antenna. The Earth station achieved the first high-quality long-distance voice circuit via the Echo passive communication satellite in 1960-1961 and later through the active Telstar communications satellite in 1962-1963. Research conducted in 1964-1965 yielded the first indication of the cosmic background radiation associated with the Big Bang.

"This IEEE Milestone celebrates not only remarkable technical achievements but also the preservation of an irreplaceable scientific heritage site," said Bala Prasanna, IEEE Senior Life Member and IEEE Region 1 Director. "The antenna's contributions to multiple fields – from telecommunications to cosmology – exemplify how engineering innovations can have profound, far-reaching impacts across disciplines and generations."

Holmdel Township dedicated the site of the Horn Antenna as Dr. Robert Wilson Park in 2024 after successfully securing ownership following an extensive campaign and legal process to protect it from development. The site received the National Historic Landmark designation in 1989. Duplicate milestone plaques will be displayed at AT&T Labs and Nokia as research sites that contributed to the achievement.

The IEEE Milestone program honors significant technical achievements in all areas associated with IEEE. Milestones recognize technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity, which are found in unique products, services, seminal papers, and patents.

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SOURCE IEEE