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GBT Scans 12 Planets for SETI Search

The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), part of the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia, is the world’s premiere single-dish radio telescope. Between its 100-meter dish (328-foot), unblocked aperture, and excellent surface accuracy, the GBT provides unprecedented sensitivity in the millimeter to meter wavelengths—very high to extremely high frequency (VHF to EHF). Since 2017, it also became one of the main instruments used by Breakthrough Listen and other institutes engaged in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).
(more…)GBT, SETI, & the WOW Signal: the Search Continues…

New radio observations of a distant Sun-like star thought to be a likely source of the famous WOW! signal reveal no evidence that the system harbors anything (or anyone) capable of sending such a signal. Nonetheless, astronomers say the “null result” is an important step in verifying a new, more targeted approach to searching nearby stars for traces of the mysterious WOW! signal.
(more…)Pocahontas County Science Fair
The Green Bank Science Center is excited to welcome our Pocahontas students in grades 3-12 for the annual County Science Fair! The fair acts as an entry point for students to qualify for the Regional Science Fair which will be held on February 18th, 2023.
- Fair date: Tuesday January 17th, 2023 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Backup date in the event of bad weather: Tuesday January 24th, 2023 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fair Schedule
8:00 – 9:00 Arrival and Project Setup
9:00 – 9: 30 Welcome in the Auditorium
9:30 – 12:00 Judging and Activity Rotations
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 1:30 Whole Group Activity
1:30 – 2:00 Awards Ceremony, Tear Down, and Depart
Senator Capito’s staffers experience one of world’s largest telescopes, nestled in West Virginia mountains
Congressional staffers on the receiver deck of the GBT overlooking the surface of the 2-acre dish. Photo credit NSF/GBO/Paul Vosteen.
Staffers for West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito left their offices in Washington, D.C. to explore one of the largest telescopes on Earth during their visit to the Green Bank Observatory.
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