Students, teachers, and the public will soon be able to learn more about the exciting field of radio astronomy and the secrets it has revealed about the universe through a new, state-of-the-art education center to be built at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, WV. NRAO signed the $6,104,168 construction agreement with the firm of Multiplex, Inc., of Summersville, WV.

The new center will feature artifacts and hands-on displays that explain the instruments, techniques, and remarkable scientific discoveries of radio astronomy. It also will complement the educational activities surrounding the new Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. The GBT is the primary instrument at the Green Bank facility, and one of the most powerful and sophisticated tools available to astronomers today. Its mammoth size -- it is the largest moving structure on land -- and unique offset design make the GBT a favorite attraction for the scientifically curious of all ages.

“Radio telescopes have been one of the principal tools used by astronomers to learn about the origin and structure of the Universe. They also have captured the public’s imagination as larger-than-life symbols of scientific discovery and technological achievement,” said Phil Jewell, director of the Green Bank facility. “By combining this world-class facility with a state-of-the-art education center, the NRAO will be able to offer an outstanding learning opportunity to astronomers and the public alike.”

More than a tour center for visitors to Green Bank, this new facility will serve as an educational destination for school groups from throughout West Virginia, the central Appalachian region, Washington, DC, and beyond.

The theme of the exhibits in the new center will be “Catch The Wave,” which highlights both the physics of radio waves, and the fun of being swept along by the interactive science displays. The center will have specially tailored elements specifically designed for K-12 education as part of school field trips. These displays are intended to immerse students in a real-world research environment, and to allow students to experience the enjoyment and wonder of science and engineering. The facility will have full-time science educators on staff to help guide students and answer questions from visitors. A specific goal of the facility is to host every school student in West Virginia at least once before they graduate from high school.

The $6.1 million facility is a cooperative effort of NASA’s Office of Space Science and the Facilities Management Division, the National Science Foundation, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The appropriation funding the center was sponsored by Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia. A second phase of the project will be to construct a dormitory facility for overnight stays by school groups visiting the center.

The new center will contain a large exhibit hall and auditorium, several classrooms, a café, and a gift shop. The exhibit hall will feature hands-on demonstrations, displays, and other learning tools funded by a separate $1.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

“We are very excited about the potential to immerse visitors in the role of the research scientist through exhibits and programs offered at the center,” said Sue Ann Heatherly, education officer at NRAO-Green Bank. “Our educational programs are unique in that they occur at a scientific research center, so we are able to tap into new discoveries as they happen.”

Heatherly also stated that one of the most ambitious exhibits will be a functional 8-foot tall model of the GBT. “When you visit the center,” she said, “you will be able to control the model, simulate an observing session, and analyze the data that you collect. You get to be the astronomer. At the same time, through a connection to the GBT control center, you will be able to ‘eavesdrop’ on the science being done with the real telescope.”

SEM Partners, Inc. of Beckley, WV, performed the architectural and engineering design for the center. The science exhibits are being designed by Moser Productions of Richmond, VA. Construction on the new center should be completed this December.

The new center will be open year round. The Green Bank Observatory currently is open to the public for guided tours on a seasonal basis. Hourly guided tours are available 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends in September and October.

For More Information:
NRAO
PO Box 2
Green Bank, WV 24944
www.gb.nrao.edu