Saul Hernandez, a New Mexico State University senior studying physics and linguistics with a minor in astronomy, has turned recycled materials into a backyard radio telescope capable of detecting the rotation of the Milky Way.

“This is just something under 200 dollars, using average materials that anyone would find around their homes, and it’s taking data from the galaxy,” Hernandez said. “It shows that anyone can do it, and that’s really exciting.”

When Hernandez realized he was interested in pursuing a minor in astronomy, he approached Moire Prescott, NMSU astronomy associate professor, to ask if she had a research project he could join. She introduced him to the idea of a recycled, do-it-yourself radio telescope developed by the Completely Hackable Amateur Radio Telescope (CHART) team at Winona State University and Arizona State University, and together they began mapping out a construction plan.