Green Bank Observatory (GBO) is looking for amateur astronomers to lead star parties on select Saturdays throughout the year. You would be in charge of setting up optical telescopes 30 minutes before the listed start time (below) and facilitating telescope viewing for all participants. The audience is typically scouts, K12 students from the local community, and general public. An Education / Public Outreach staff member will be present to help with group management, point out constellations, and communicate GBO science while people are waiting to look through a telescope.
Guests are most happy to see planetary bodies in addition to any clusters or deep sky objects that you may be interested in finding. We have a Celestron that can point to programmed sources, Dobsonian, and binoculars on a tripod. You are also welcome to bring your own personal telescopes if you so choose.
Please let Sophie Saint Georges; sdesaint@nrao.edu know if you are available and interested for any of the dates below as soon as you’re able and she will send you follow-up details. Also let us know if you are aware of other staff who may be willing to help.
- 3/21/2026; GBO Star Party Patio @20:30
- 4/25/2026; GBO Star Party Patio @21:00
- 6/3/2026; Silver Creek slopes at Snowshoe @21:30
- 9/5/2026; GBO Star Party Patio @20:30
- 10/10/2026; GBO Star Party Patio @20:30
- 11/7/2026; GBO Star Party Patio @18:30
- 12/5/2026; GBO Star Party Patio @18:30