The Epic Observatory In West Virginia That’s Perfect For A Summer’s Day Trip

In the quiet little town of Green Bank, West Virginia, there's an observatory that's doing some pretty impressive research. Formerly known as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), the facility is now privately funded and operating as the Green Bank Observatory.

The Green Bank Observatory is an educational and research facility in Pocahontas County.

The science center at the observatory is free to visit and makes a great trip for the whole family.

Here you can learn about the research being done at the observatory to learn more about our universe.

The science center tackles many of life's big questions, like where life comes from, and if there might be life on other planets.

You can also schedule a tour to see the Green Bank Telescope, the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope.

This telescope has helped astronomers make many important discoveries over the decades, such as new pulsars, and complex molecules, such as sugar, in space.

The observatory also has several smaller supporting telescopes.

The tour will take you up close to see how this impressive equipment works.

Stop by the Starlight Cafe during your visit to enjoy drinks and sandwiches.

So much learning is sure to make you hungry!

After your visit, you're sure to feel more in touch with the secrets of the universe.

We can hope that there will be even more exciting discoveries here in the future!

The observatory also hosts regular special events, such as High-Tech Tours to see the control rooms and labs of the observatory, and SETI Tours, to learn more about the observatory's search for intelligent life. Find out more about the special events offered on their website.

The Green Bank Observatory is located at 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, West Virginia.

The telescope has a unique influence on the town of Green Bank and the surrounding area. Find out more about how Green Bank is known as the quietest town in America.