Green Bank, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Green Bank
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 Green Bank
Location in West Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Pocahontas |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.276 sq mi (8.48 km2) |
| • Land | 3.276 sq mi (8.48 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 141 |
| • Density | 43.04/sq mi (16.62/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
24944
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Green Bank is a small community in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It is located in the Allegheny Mountains, a part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. You can find Green Bank along WV 28.
This place is famous for being home to the Green Bank Observatory. It is also close to the Snowshoe Mountain ski resort. In 2020, about 141 people lived in Green Bank. The community got its name from a green riverbank that was near the original town site.
Contents
Understanding the National Radio Quiet Zone
Green Bank is special because it is inside the United States National Radio Quiet Zone. This means that rules limit radio signals very strictly. These rules are important for the Green Bank Telescope to work properly.
Why Radio Signals are Restricted
In the National Radio Quiet Zone, radio transmissions are heavily controlled by law. This helps prevent interference with sensitive scientific instruments. A "radio policeman" helps enforce these rules. They use special tools to find signals from electronics that are not allowed.
The Green Bank Telescope
Green Bank is home to the Green Bank Telescope. This is the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. It is like a giant ear listening to space. The telescope was run by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) until 2016. Since then, the Green Bank Observatory has operated it.
Searching for Life Beyond Earth
In 1961, a scientist named Frank Drake introduced the Drake Equation at the Green Bank site. This equation helps scientists estimate how many intelligent civilizations might exist in our Milky Way galaxy. It's a way to think about the chances of finding alien life.
A Quiet Place for Some People
Because of the strict radio rules, some people move to Green Bank. These individuals believe they are sensitive to electromagnetic waves, like those from cell phones. They hope to find relief from their symptoms in this quiet zone. By 2013, about 30 people had moved to Green Bank for this reason.
Notable People from Green Bank
- Bruce Bosley was a famous football player. He played as a running back at the Green Bank High School, which is now closed. He later became a four-time All-Pro player for the San Francisco 49ers. He was also a standout player at West Virginia in the 1950s.
See also
In Spanish: Green Bank para niños
