Green Bank Observatory
Home of the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope, set within the National Radio Quiet Zone, where guided tours bring you close to its 100-meter dish.
Green Bank Observatory sits at the heart of the National Radio Quiet Zone. Its star attraction is the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), a 100 × 110 meter instrument and the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. In the 1960s the site also hosted Project Ozma, the first search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The science center has free interactive exhibits, and a paid bus tour (about 1 hour) takes visitors to the foot of the telescope. Phones, Wi-Fi, digital cameras and other electronic devices are prohibited on the grounds (photography is allowed only in designated tour areas), and visitors must follow staff instructions. About 25 km from Snowshoe Mountain.
Opening hours
Science center about 10:00–17:00; shorter in winter (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
- Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (Durbin Rocket)
- Seneca State Forest
- Snowshoe Bike Park
- Snowshoe Mountain Resort
- Greenbrier River Trail
- Highland Scenic Highway (WV 150)
- Watoga State Park