Green Bank Observatory
The Green Bank Observatory (previously National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank) is an astronomical observatory located in the National Radio Quiet Zone in Green Bank, West Virginia, U.S. It is the operator of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope.
Green Bank Telescope at NRAO Green Bank, September 2009 | |
| Alternative names | National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank |
|---|---|
| Named after | Green Bank |
| Organization | |
| Observatory code | 256 |
| Location | Green Bank, United States National Radio Quiet Zone, Pocahontas County, US |
| Coordinates | 38°26′16″N 79°50′10″W |
| Altitude | 2,684 feet (818 m) |
| Observing time | 365 nights per year |
| Established | November 12, 1956 |
| Website | greenbankobservatory |
| Telescopes |
|
Location of Green Bank Observatory | |
| Related media on Commons | |
The observatory was established as the National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in 1956 and made its first observations in 1958. It served as the NRAO's headquarters until 1966, after which the facility was known as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank.
In October 2016, the observatory became an independent institution following a 2012 recommendation that the NSF fully divest itself from the facility by October 1, 2016.
Green Bank Observatory subsequently retained partial NSF funding, established private contracts, and formed a partnership with West Virginia University. It is operated by the nonprofit Associated Universities, Inc., under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.