COVID-19 Safety Operations

Written by

In response to the health concerns posed by COVID-19, the Green Bank Observatory has made changes to its public programs and events.

Learn more about how to access the Science Center, bus tours, and other guided programs here.

Tour tickets are required to enter the Science Center. These can be purchased at our online store.

Masks are required to be worn by those two years and older over nose and mouth while inside Science Center, buses, and participating in any of our activities. THIS IS STRICTLY ENFORCED FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR STAFF AND ALL VISITORS.

Virtual tours, live streams, and video updates on Observatory news and education are also available, tune in here.

As these operations continue to evolve, please check back for updates.

Take a FREE self-guided walking tour on site. Hiking and biking are welcome. An observation deck to view the Green Bank Telescope is located in the Jansky Lab parking lot. You can download and print a map for a self guided walking tour here.

Learn more about biking onsite here.

Visit the Galaxy Gift Shop online.

Try these educational resources and activities at home.

Our instruments are extremely sensitive, and many operate 24-hours a day. Smart phones, digital cameras, fitness trackers, and other electronic devices can interfere with observations. Our scientists thank you for leaving these powered off in your vehicle!

Educational groups scheduled for visits and programs in 2021 that are affected by this change in operations will be contacted directly. Virtual visits are being offered for groups, learn more here. If you have questions, please contact our Education staff directly at reservations@gbobservatory.org.

Four Children of GBO Staff Among Recipients of 2021 AUI Scholarship

Written by

AUI has selected the recipients of its 2021 AUI Scholarship, who each will be awarded a $3,500 renewable scholarship ($14,000 over four years to each scholar) to support their academic careers. Fourteen outstanding high school seniors were selected based on their academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership skills. 

(more…)

New image captures galaxy cluster emerging from cosmic web

Written by

The tumultuous evolution of a galaxy cluster captured close to its formation in the cosmic web
Composite image using MUSTANG-2, Chandra, and SDSS data. The faint red glow shows the hot gas at large radii. galaxies present in MUSTANG-2 and Chandra appear as point sources (in magenta) and density of the comparatively cool gas (in blue); galaxies in optical (SDSS) data are in the foreground. Credit: Phillip Cigan/Stefano Andreon/Charles Romero 

An international team of astronomers using the National Science Foundation’s Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, West Virginia, and the NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory have captured a snapshot of a massive galaxy cluster, very close to the epoch when it began to emerge from the cosmic web.

(more…)