Photo – Page 92 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Science Center Grounds

The Green Bank Science Center offers exhibits, live demonstrations, food, shopping, and tours. However, Its grounds are also marked for exploration of the natural landscape of Pocahontas County. Birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts stroll the wildflowers and grasslands here.

Starlight Cafe

The Green Bank Science Center caters to its visitors with a menu of fresh foods from the Starlight Cafe.

Pocahontas County

Critical to the success of radio astronomy in Green Bank is the rural environment of Pocahontas County. Our telescopes need to be free of the interference of modern electronics. This photo, taken in the 1950s, shows one of the farms purchased for the new observatory. The area has not changed much since then.

Moving the Nutbin

In 1958, the Green Bank site was still acquiring land for building an observatory. Farms were purchased, and staff were working out of the old farmhouses that dotted the valley, including this one affectionately known as ‘The Nutbin.” Before the Works Area was completed in 1959, administration and labs were housed in the Nutbin. In 1969, the entire structure was lifted up and driven down Route 92 to become a residence for employees.

Entrance to Green Bank site in early 1960s

Welcome to Green Bank

The entrance to our Green Bank, West Virginia site, in the early 1960s. Our first telescope, the Howard E. Tatel 85-foot, is visible down the road in the center, and several additional telescopes would join it over the coming decades.

Postcard Perfect GBT

The Green Bank Telescope is the world’s largest, fully-steerable telescope. Its freedom of motion allows it to see 85% of the skies surrounding the planet.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.