The Green Bank Observatory
When folks think about West Virginia, science is not usually one of the first things that comes to mind. However, there is a breathtaking shrine to science and technology hidden in the mountains of Pocahontas County, West Virginia: the Green Bank Observatory. The best part? This facility is open to the public to explore in many ways: online, in person on guided tours, and on your own by foot or bicycle.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic bus tours were offered to guests on diesel-powered buses, but now three-mile walking tours are offered twice daily to guests to get acquainted with the different radio astronomy telescopes at the observatory, including the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope.
The Green Bank Observatory (previously known as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank) was established in 1956 in the National Radio Quiet Zone in Green Bank, West Virginia. As you might guess by a name like “National Radio Quiet Zone”, there are zero bars of cellular phone service in this area. In fact, the telescopes and equipment in operation can tell when local residents have broken microwaves or set up wi-fi networks in their homes. While the wi-fi networks are often forgiven, local residents have been gifted new appliances to replace those on the fritz to limit interference with observations. The Quiet Zone is most restrictive within 10 miles of the facility and even small devices, like fitness trackers with Bluetooth capabilities and digital cameras, are prohibited from coming near the telescopes.
These restrictions have made the area a haven for those who believe they have electromagnetic hypersensitivity (like Chuck McGill in Better Call Saul). The condition is controversial, even among those living in the National Radio Quiet Zone, but I am strongly in favor of doing what makes you happy and comfortable (as long as it does not hurt anyone else).
The grounds of the observatory feature a wide array of radio telescopes, both historical and currently in operation, including a replica of Karl Jansky’s antenna that first identified radio waves coming from space and established the field of radio astronomy. On the walking tour, it is almost a sequential trip through the history of radio astronomy from the parking area for the visitor’s center to the GBT itself, a one-and-a-half mile walk down a service road.
The walking tour provides a unique opportunity to spend time with and carefully look at each of the telescopes. It is clear that over time, the telescopes look progressively more like what one expects a telescope to look like and they get bigger! The opportunity to spend more time looking at the telescopes also increases the opportunity to observe the thrill of seeing them move. Some of the telescopes are controlled on site, from a control room in the Jansky Laboratory, and some are controlled remotely by individuals granted time to use the telescopes to pursue research and curiosity.
The grounds of the Green Bank Observatory are open to the public, no tour guide necessary (though the tour guides are lovely and boundless resources on the history and development of the observatory) as long as folks respect the policies limiting use of electronic devices. They take this seriously. All of the vehicles on-site are diesel because even spark plugs can interrupt the sensitive instrumentation at the site. This means that walkers and bicyclists are welcome to observe and enjoy these scientific resources to their heart’s content.
Nearby is the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, excursions to the top of Bald Knob provide a unique view of the GBT. At Bald Knob, guests look down onto the surface of the scallop-shaped behemoth. The observatory and an excursion at Cass would makes for a tremendous weekend trip!
The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope from the viewing platform next to the Jansky Laboratory