Green Bank Observatory

Observatory · Green Bank

Green Bank Observatory

Observatory · Green Bank

2

38 Hemlock Lane, Green Bank, WV 24944

Photos

Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by Rick Wagner/CC BY 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by paigeelizabeth3660 (Atlas Obscura User)
Green Bank Observatory by Tim Menzies/CC BY-SA 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by http://www.gb.nrao.edu/gallery/gbt/main/te...
Green Bank Observatory by Tim Menzies/CC BY-SA 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by David Brossard/CC BY-SA 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by Stacy Brunner/CC BY 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by Rick Wagner/CC BY 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by David Brossard/CC BY-SA 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by Stacy Brunner/CC BY 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by paigeelizabeth3660 (Atlas Obscura User)
Green Bank Observatory by http://www.gb.nrao.edu/gallery/gbt/main/te...
Green Bank Observatory by Rick Wagner/CC BY 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by Jiuguang Wang/CC BY-SA 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by Rick Wagner/CC BY 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by Jiuguang Wang/CC BY-SA 2.0
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null
Green Bank Observatory by null

Highlights

Largest steerable radio telescope, educational exhibits, and tours  

Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder

38 Hemlock Lane, Green Bank, WV 24944 Get directions

greenbankobservatory.org
@greenbankobservatory

Information

Static Map

38 Hemlock Lane, Green Bank, WV 24944 Get directions

+1 304 456 2011
greenbankobservatory.org
@greenbankobservatory

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom
wheelchair accessible seating

Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@atlasobscura

9 Radio Telescopes Probing Space's Deepest Mysteries

"Dedicated in 2000, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is the most technically advanced single-dish radio telescope in the world. Its 110-meter by 100-meter dish boasts more than two acres of area for collecting incredibly faint radio waves from the universe. Weighing 17 million pounds, the GBT is also one of the world’s largest moving land structures. And since it is located within the National Radio Quiet Zone in West Virginia, the GBT’s sensitive receiving system is well protected from radio frequency interference. The GBT is a leader in the scientific study of pulsars, dense neutron stars that serve as laboratories in which astronomers study the physics of extreme states of matter and enormous magnetic fields. It can also detect the fingerprints of atoms and molecules far into the distant universe, yielding new knowledge about star formation, the structure and motions of gas in galaxies, and nature’s fundamental constants.  And yes, they also lease time to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project, looking for signs of intelligent life…out there." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/radio-telescopes-deep-space
View Postcard for Green Bank Observatory
@atlasobscura

20 Places to Visit Along West Virginia's Country Roads

"Dedicated in 2000, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is the most technically advanced single-dish radio telescope in the world. Its 110-meter by 100-meter dish boasts more than two acres of area for collecting incredibly faint radio waves from the universe. Weighing 17 million pounds, the GBT is also one of the world’s largest moving land structures. And since it is located within the National Radio Quiet Zone in West Virginia, the GBT’s sensitive receiving system is well protected from radio frequency interference. The GBT is a leader in the scientific study of pulsars, dense neutron stars that serve as laboratories in which astronomers study the physics of extreme states of matter and enormous magnetic fields. It can also detect the fingerprints of atoms and molecules far into the distant universe, yielding new knowledge about star formation, the structure and motions of gas in galaxies, and nature’s fundamental constants.  And yes, they also lease time to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project, looking for signs of intelligent life…out there." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/hidden-gems-west-virginia
View Postcard for Green Bank Observatory

Dani Sanchez Carretero

Google
We truly enjoyed our time there. The tour guide was very fun a knowledgeable. The radio telescope was so impressive! Tours start at 10am and go every 2 hrs. (10, 12, 2pm etc)

Fazalkhaliq Ali

Google
One star is for not having easy route to get to satellite and also not having some basic means of transportation to satellite. And they need to edit google maps because it was showing open but when we got there it was closed. Also we were struggling with network issues and had to go to a gas station to get WiFi. Other than that it’s fantastic nature out there and great place to drive around West Virginia.

Tyler Robart

Google
This place is absolutely incredible! Once in a lifetime experience, and a MUST see! We seen videos on the GBO and were obsessed so we planned our honeymoon for West Virginia and Virginia so we could see it for ourselves! At over 17million pounds and 2.3 acres big, it is the largest rotating radio telescope in the entire world and to see it in person and learn about the history and the technology ban in the area, it was so amazing and impressive to be able to see and learn in person to say the least! Also, gift shop was super nice with great prices and the staff were very friendly snd knowledgeable :) 12/10 would recommend!

Andrew Meador

Google
A true treasure to visit, whether you check out the science center or walk along the trails. We did the 3-4 mile hike out and back to the Green Bank Telescope, and saw all the other telescopes along the way. They also use the road as a scale model of the solar system, complete with Pluto being out at the largest telescope. The nature trail on the way back made for a nice loop. Definitely want to come back and explore again! Just remember that when you approach the telescopes all electronics must be switched to off.

William Weinstein

Google
We took the bus tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and presented the information in an accessible and humorous way. It's hard to make research accessible and fun. She knew a lot about the history of the site and had great stories to tell that helped get an understanding of the research being done and the life of the resident researchers.

Ruth Burns

Google
The GBO is a fantastic place for individuals and families to explore the science behind telescope technology in action. The trails for hiking, walking, running, horesback riding, and cycling are beautiful on the campus. We attend the Space Rumpus event and we all have a blast. Come have a tech free weekend to enjoy the mountains and enjoy science.

Enigma 4you

Google
If you are in the area the observatory is a must see. If you have an interest in astronomy, science, space or anything related to the above it’s worth making a special trip. The history of the area is amazing. The current research happening literally changes the way we understand the universe. GBO is a stellar example of what government funding can accomplish when scientists are allowed to discover and understand.

phillip stuller

Google
Very interesting area. The staff was great and knowledgeable. Well worth the stop. The tour is informative. Tour guide did a good job.