Deep in the Appalachian Mountains lies the Green Bank Observatory, which is used by astronomers to search the depths of our vast universe. But in order for the observatory’s telescopes to work properly, radio frequencies in the area must be eliminated to prevent interference – the town of Green Bank thus became a ‘quiet’ town where there is a ban on electrical devices, and its residents live a life free from constant digital connectivity.
Indeed, this ‘Quiet Zone’ has gained traction from the media and curious-minds alike in recent years, but award-winning journalist Stephen Kurczy is the first to investigate this story in-depth and has shed light on some misconceptions of the town.
To research and write ‘The Quiet Zone’ (HarperCollins, £20, ISBN 9780062945495), Kurczy himself settles into the town of Green Bank, making the residents of this small Appalachian village his neighbours. And throughout his time there, he attended church services, went target...