Astronomy in West Virginia!

Astronomy in the mountains of West Virginia --- go figure!! As strange as it may seem the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) hosts one of it's many research centers right in the middle of Pocahontas County. Located in Green Bank, West Virginia this particular NRAO center is home to many ginourmous (is this a word yet?) telescopes including the Robert C. Byrd telescope which is the world's largest fully steerable single aperature antenna. This larger than life creature is certainly a sight to see as it stretches it's neck out across the vast West Virginia sky. As a neighbor of the Observatory we are located in what is commonly known in the area as the "quiet zone". This basically means that communications in the area such as cell phones are non-existent in order to reduce harmful interference at the facility. But have no fear - this area of West Virginia is not totally in communications stoneage - both of our cabins are equipped with phones, WiFi and satellite TV.

Along with serving as an important research facility in West Virginia, NRAO Green Bank hosts several events throughout the year for visitors including free guided tours of the facility. From November 1st through the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend the center is open Thursday - Monday from 10am - 5pm. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the center is open daily from 8:30am - 7pm and during the months of September and October the center is open Thursday - Monday from 8:30am - 7pm. Once a month there are also special events such as star parties where guests can check out the night sky, High-tech Thursdays featuring special tours of the facility normally off limits to visitors, and star-lab Fridays also featuring great views of the nighttime sky. These three special events do charge a nominal fee of $3 per person and do require reservations. There is also the Starlight Cafe on site for cafeteria-style meals. When planning your trip to Pocahontas County, West Virginia be sure to plan some time to visit NRAO Green Bank where you'll be sure to find that technology and nature can co-exist!