155 Observatory Road
Green Bank, WV 24944
USA
Hands-on Radio Astronomy
NOVAC has arranged for access to GBO’s 40-foot educational dish. Participants will leave for Green Bank either with the tour earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. Observations begin in the late evening and continue as long as you’re willing to stay awake. Overnight accommodations are provided in dorm-style facilities at GBO. Space is very limited!
If you’re going on the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, you’ll stay at GBO following the conclusion of the tour. Otherwise, you should plan to be on-site at GBO by 4:15 pm.
No prior radioastronomy experience is required; GBO will provide instruction and support. You may wish to look over the 40-Foot Telescope Observer’s Manual [pdf] before you arrive to get an idea of how the equipment works and what you might want to observe.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cameras are welcome at GBO, however their use is restricted. In order to prevent radio-frequency interference to observations in progress, the observatory prohibits the use of digital cameras (and electronics-laden film cameras) in some locations close to the telescopes. Bring a simple film camera if you’d like to take pictures up close to the instruments.
Printed directions to GBO from SKMC will be available on site. If you’re arriving from off-site, GBO has a great map with directions to help.
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