Green Bank Observatory – Science Center

The Green Bank Observatory enables forefront research at radio frequencies by offering telescopes, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the Green Bank Observatory is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education.

The Green Bank Observatory is a world-class facility for science and engineering research and education that has enabled the astronomy community to make transformational discoveries for more than 60 years. In addition to the 100m Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world’s premiere single-dish telescope, the Observatory hosts a renowned science and education center, an active technology development center, a first rate machine shop, and six additional radio telescopes. The Observatory’s location within two complementary radio interference protection zones – the National Radio Quiet Zone and the West Virginia Radio Astronomy Zone – provides significant protection from interfering signals.

Visit our gigantic telescopes and hands-on exhibits in the heart of the National Radio Quiet Zone! The Green Bank Science Center is open year-round and serves 50,000 visitors a year. Our 25,000 square foot facility is the starting point for your guided tour of the Green Bank Observatory. The Science Center includes the Catching the Wave Exhibit Hall, an interactive room filled with exhibits explaining radio astronomy, a 150-seat auditorium, classrooms, a gift shop, and even a full menu at our Starlight Café.