This West Virginia Observatory Lets You Listen To Outer Space

Driving through the Monongahela National Forest, you might not expect to find a massive telescope that lets scientists listen to outer space. But right in the center of the woods is the Green Bank Telescope, the largest steerable radio telescope in the world. Find out more about this amazing piece of technology and how it helps us find out if the truth is out there.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) first established the Green Bank site in 1957. The first radio telescope was just 85 feet (26 meters) in diameter, and the location in the mountains was intended to help shield it from man-made radio frequencies. Over the years, more telescopes were built to listen to different parts of the galaxy. A National Radio Quiet Zone was established in the area to protect the telescopes from any sort of man-made transmissions, which today means that there is no cell-phone reception in Green Bank and no wifi.

The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope was built between 1991 and 2002, and the first thing to know is that it is massive: taller than the Statue of Liberty and big enough for a football stadium to fit inside. The 100-meter (328-foot) size helps the telescope listen to extremely precise energy waves across space. The second thing to know is that it is a radio telescope, meaning that it listens for sound waves from space, rather than a typical telescope we think of when we look at stars. And yes, the Green Bank Telescope is listening for aliens, or at least for life not on planet Earth.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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