A fun free day of family-friendly activities, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Green Bank Observatory Open House returns on Saturday, September 19, with a full day of free activities kicking off at 12 p.m. This year is even more special, since we’re celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory right here in Green Bank, West Virginia.
Science Center Manager Drew Maerz is excited about the Open House—his first at the Observatory. “We’ll have the Valley AeroSpace Team back to help us build and launch rockets—that’s always fun!” he said. “And we’re going to dedicate our new inflatable Star Lab planetarium. We’ve got science talks and new behind the scenes tours going on all day—and lots of activities for visitors of all ages! Everything from building your own kaleidoscope to sunspotting and solar viewing.”
Special Tours and a Star Party
New this year, visitors will be able to tour the Control Rooms of the 85-foot Tatel Telescope and the 140-foot Telescope. These telescopes are usually only open during SETI tours. There will be a limited number of free tickets available for these tours. Tours of the NSF Green Bank Telescope Control Room will also be available.
Weather permitting, there will be a Star Party starting at 8:15 p.m., so visitors should bring an extra jacket or blanket. Want to stay overnight on Saturday? We have a limited number of camping spots available. Use the Register Now button on our events page to get a spot!
The Starlight Cafe will feature specials, and be open later for visitors who want to grab dinner before the Star Party.
“Everything is free, but we encourage you to register for your free tickets before you come, that way you can save your place on our Control Room tours, which have a limited amount of tickets available,” adds Maerz.
Buses will start taking visitors down to the GBT starting at 9:30 a.m. All other Open House tours and activities will take place between 1-5 p.m.
Advance registration will be required for all Control Room tours, so visitors should register online for those at least a week in advance.
Register for your free tickets now!.
Don’t miss out—this year is going to be epic!
About the NSF Green Bank Observatory
The Green Bank Observatory is a part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, a major facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.