Greenbank Observatory

Description Operated by the National Science Foundation, the Green Bank Observatory has made a number of major scientific breakthroughs and offers a variety of educational workshops and activities for students of all ages. The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, West Virginia is the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the United States and the world. Astronomers use Green Bank radio telescopes to observe the naturally occurring radio waves that come from stars, planets, galaxies, clouds of dust, and molecules of gas.
Address 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944
Website Greenbank Observatory
Contact
Notes The Observatory is about a 3 hour one-way drive from Charlottesville. For those interested in overnighting for Friday May 26 activities, please see field trip program listing "West Virginia Overnight at Snowshoe (Book Your Own Room)" for suggested lodgings. https://greenbankobservatory.org/visit/getting-here/
To Bring
Date(s) Thursday, May 25, 2023
Name Time Ages Cost Enrolled
Lunch and Exhibit Hall (Option 1 - Pizza)
If you choose this option, you are opting to buy pizza lunch. The cost per person covers two slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza, a small salad, and a bottled drink. There will also be an option to explore "Catching the Wave" Exhibit Hall, and/or play outdoors during lunch time.

11:30AM - 12:40PM Ages: 0-100 17/50
Lunch and Exhibit Hall (Option 2 - Bring Your Lunch)
If you choose this option, you are opting to bring your own lunch. There will also be an option to explore "Catching the Wave" Exhibit Hall, and/or play outdoors during lunch time.

11:30AM - 12:40PM Ages: 0-100 20/50
Observatory Tour and Educational Workshops
The tour includes a presentation about radio astronomy and the work done at Green Bank Observatory, followed by a bus tour of the campus to see the telescopes! The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, West Virginia is the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the United States and the world. Astronomers use Green Bank radio telescopes to observe the naturally occurring radio waves that come from stars, planets, galaxies, clouds of dust, and molecules of gas. Participants will also enjoy 3 educational workshops (see program notes to vote for your preferred workshop topics).
Notes: Students and a maximum of 1 parent/adult educator per family should register as participants, paying only the small CHEC admin fee. Additional adults coming with a family (spouses, partners, grandparents etc.) are asked to register as accompanying adults. Their $13 cost includes the museum's standard visitor charge and a small CHEC admin fee. Accompanying adult participation includes the guided bus Tour, exhibit hall entry, and science presentation. Accompanying adults will be able to participate in the workshops if there is extra space. Costs for this program does not include lunch, which you have the option of purchasing through a separate program registration. Registrants are asked to complete the following survey to indicate which workshops they are most interested in. The observatory will tally responses and conduct the 3 workshops that score highest for the group. PLEASE NOTE that while most workshop options are for all ages, there are several that are for 3rd or or 5th grade and up. If any of these workshops are selected, your younger child is welcome to attend but content will be geared for a slightly older crowd. Survey: https://forms.gle/QcxbYF4mc7g7Cqcv6 If you are unable to complete the survey form, email Joyce (joyce.smaragdis@gmail.com) to select your workshop choices.

12:45PM - 05:30PM Ages: 0-100 35/50
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