We have an ATM on site, take debit or credit, and of course cash is always accepted!

we took our camper and stayed in cass.

A long-exposure shot from the parking lot and/or observation deck is absolutely possible! Just do not go past the security gates or down the hill from the parking lot. If you would like to get a little closer, please contact the Observatory. During the summer, the telescope is at maintenance and we allow photographers to get a little closer - with prior permissions, of course! Please contact the Observatory through their Media office (Media tab on the Web site).

When you take the tour, the bus will stop for a photo opportunity when you will be able to use your camera. After that, it’s no photo.

They sure are! In fact, you can even use a disposable camera, or any film camera to take pictures behind the gates in the telescope zone. So, if you want an up-close picture with any telescope, this is the way to do it. Thank you so much for asking!

Since the interference from the digital camera fouls their data stream, one digital picture taken at the wrong moment could ruin someone's research - not a fun prospect. Taking a digital photo at Green Bank would be similar to allowing visitors of a major optical telescope (Mauna Kea, for example) to shine flashlights on the mirror of the telescope. At least the researchers allow us on the premises - which I think is pretty cool. The fact that Green Bank is a working astronomical telescope adds to the great benefit of the tour.

I don't think you need to make reservations for the tour, which follows a short video in the theater. The museum has many interesting hands-on exhibits. You may find yourselves wishing for more time in order to enjoy all the exhibits to the fullest extent as the roads to Cass are somewhat curvy and may require reduced travel speeds and extended travel time to get there. The museum also has cafe fare, if you were planning to eat lunch there. Suggest calling the museum for specific details.

Hi Nish, A half day visit would be perfect. Right now, our tours are offered at 11am, 1pm and 3pm everyday except Tuesday and Wednesday. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, tours are offered every day at the top of the hour from 9am-6pm (that's 10 tours a day!). We have beautiful walking trails, a hands-on exhibit hall, gift shop and a wonderful cafe serving fresh house-made pizzas and more. My recommendation is to come explore the exhibit hall, enjoy a lunch out doors at our picnic tables, take a tour and then explore the grounds. Thank you for your interest in visiting!

Hi! Entrance to the science center and exhibit hall is free. If you choose to do a tour, tickets are $6/adults, $5/seniors and free for kids 10 & under and Veterans/Active Service Members. In total, the tour takes about an hour and is the most popular way to learn about the GBT and the science we do.