The World S Largest Listening Device Is Right Here In West Virginia And You Ll Want To Plan Your Visit

If there’s one thing that can be said about West Virginians (actually there are MANY good things to say about us), it’s that we are extraordinarily great listeners. In fact, we have the biggest ear in the world. It’s true… the biggest, steerable, radio telescope (translation: listening device) in the world is located here in the Mountain State and you don’t need to be a science nerd (sorry science nerds… ) to be wow’d by it.

It’s found over in Pocahontas County near the Virginia border and it’s surprising just how under the radar (no pun intended!) it has remained for all of these years.

Google Maps/Chris Clark

Even if you’re not into science and technology, a visit to see the Green Bank Telescope is an experience every West Virginian should have. The telescope, built between 1991 and 2002, is more than 400 feet tall — and that pretty white saucer in the middle? It’s wider than a football field is long (it’s 326 feet in diameter).

Green Bank Observatory

The telescope is part of the Green Bank Observatory, which until 2016 was part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Today, the Observatory still performs much of the same research, just not in conjunction with the NRAO,

Google Maps/Jeremy D

At the science center, you can take a tour and learn about current and past projects and discoveries made here at Green Bank.

TripAdvisor/Les H

Guided bus tours to the various telescopes are offered on specific weekdays and weekends. See the schedule and make a reservation at this link.

Google Maps/Matt Finlay

While you’re there, enjoy a view of the world’s largest (steerable) radar telescope while you enjoy a pizza from the Science Center’s Starlight Cafe.

Google Maps/Dave Bauer

And don’t leave without a few keepsakes from the gift shop!

Nancy M

Did you know about this gigantic telescope in West Virginia?

TripAdvisor/management

Ready to visit? The Green Bank Observatory and Science Center is located at 155 Observatory Rd., Green Bank, WV 24944. It’s open to the public and admission to the Science Center is free. Various tours are regularly offered and prices vary by tour. Get complete details about seasonal hours of operation and tour costs, plus make a reservation, on the official website.