Pole Position (IMAGE) University of Chicago Caption The South Pole Telescope takes advantage of the clear, dry skies at the National Science Foundation's South Pole Station to study the cosmic background radiation, the afterglow of the big bang. The SPT measures eight meters (26.4 feet) in diameter. Credit Photo by Jeff McMahon Usage Restrictions This image may be used by news organizations in reports describing the research of John Carlstrom and Scott Dodelson. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.