Green Bank Observatory facts for kids

The Green Bank Observatory is a special place in Green Bank, West Virginia, USA. It's like a giant ear that listens to the universe! This observatory is home to the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope. This telescope is the biggest fully steerable radio telescope in the world. It can move and point to different parts of space.

The observatory is located in a unique area called the United States National Radio Quiet Zone. This means there are very few radio signals from cell phones or Wi-Fi. This quiet zone helps the telescopes hear faint signals from space without interference.

History of the Observatory

The Green Bank Observatory started in 1956. It was first part of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). Scientists began using its telescopes in 1958. For many years, it was the main office for the NRAO.

In 2016, the observatory became its own independent organization. This change allowed it to get funding from different sources. It still works closely with the National Science Foundation. It also partners with West Virginia University. A group called Associated Universities, Inc. helps run the observatory.

Amazing Active Telescopes

The Green Bank Observatory uses several powerful telescopes today. Each one helps scientists learn more about space.

• Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope: This is the star of the observatory. It's the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. It helps scientists study everything from distant galaxies to black holes.
• 140 Foot (43m) Telescope: This telescope is also very important. It has been used for many years to explore different parts of the universe.
• 20 Meter Telescope: This smaller telescope is often used for special projects. It helps test new technologies for radio astronomy.
• 40 Foot Telescope: This telescope is used for educational programs. Students and visitors can learn how radio telescopes work by using it.

Historic Telescopes and Discoveries

Over the years, many telescopes have been used at Green Bank. Some of them have made very important discoveries.

• Reber Radio Telescope: This telescope is a National Historic Landmark. It was built by Grote Reber, a pioneer in radio astronomy.
• Howard E. Tatel Radio Telescope: This telescope was used in 1960 for Project Ozma. This was one of the first times scientists used a radio telescope to search for signs of life beyond Earth.

See also

• List of astronomical observatories

Images for kids

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  The 300-foot Telescope before it collapsed in 1988.

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  The 300-foot Telescope after it collapsed.