AbSciCon 2006 Excursion Opportunity
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), in conjunction with
the
SETI Institute, and
NASA invite the attendees of the
2006 AbSciCon
on an excursion to the observatory at Green Bank, West Virginia.
Green Bank is one of the world's
first sites of Astrobiology research.
Green Bank as made two major contributions to Astrobiology:
- The first searches for extraterrestrial intelligence.
- Fundamental discoveries of sites of prebiotic chemistry in our galaxy
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While at Green Bank in 1960, Frank Drake and colleagues carried out
the first experiments to search for extra terrestrial intelligence.
In addition, the NRAO 140ft telescope has been used by astronomers world
wide to discover molecules in interstellar space.
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In the last two years,
Hollis, Jewell, Lovas, and Remijan
(Scientists at the NASA Goddard, NIST and NRAO), and others
have discovered pre-biotic molecules in cold clouds
of our galaxy. These researchers used the 100 meter diameter
Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope to make these important discoveries.
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We'll tell you what scientists have accomplished in Astro chemistry
using the GBT, and give you a personal tour of this phenomenal
instrument. Then you can help us determine radio astronomy's role in the
future of Astrobiology!
Excursion Summary
The AbSciCon 2006 attendees are offered an overnight visit to NRAO,
Green Bank including:
- Stimulating Program on Future directions of Astrobiology and Radio
Astronomy
- Lodging (single occupancy)
- Meals (Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks)
- Beautiful Scenery
- Tour of the 100m diameter, 45 story tall, Green Bank Telescope.
The NRAO regularly holds summer schools, science workshops and
and highly regarded conferences. The attendees will have a stimulating
and enjoyable visit. For more information, call
Glen Langston (304-456-2240)
Registration Information
Group Size limit: 45; Cost per person $65, which includes
overnight accommodations (single occupancy).
Registration and payment are due by Friday, March 10.
To Register go to
NRAO Site and enter your information.
We will accept Visa or Master-Card.
To pay, please download the attached form (
pdf or
doc ),
fill it out, and fax it back to the NRAO at 304-456-2229.
Alternatively telephone 304-456-2150 at our Science Center, Wednesday
through Sunday between 10:00am and 5:00pm EST (15:00 to 20:00 UTC).
The Science Center will take your credit card information.
An email confirmation will be sent by
Becky Warner (304-456-2227)
confirming your reservation.
Cancellation Policy: 50 % ($32.50)
returned if reservation canceled before March 22, 2006.
Excursion Agenda
2006 March 30 | Event |
1:00 PM | Bus to NRAO arrives at AbSciCon conference. |
1:30 PM | Bus departs for NRAO Green Bank. |
6:00 PM | Bus arrives NRAO Green Bank. Check in |
6:00 - 7:00 PM | Welcome Reception (Resident Lounge) |
7:00 - 8:00 PM | Buffet Dinner (Science Center) |
8:00 -10:00 PM | Music/Square Dancing (Science Center)
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10:00 -11:00 PM | Radio Astronomy and Astrobiology - Future Directions for NASA/SETI/NRAO -- Discussion/Drinks in Residence Lounge. |
2006 March 31 | Event |
7:00 - 8:30 AM | Breakfast (Residence Cafeteria) |
8:30 -10:00 AM |
Astrobiology and Radio Astronomy Key Issues
- Mike Hollis (NASA-GSFC)
- "Searching for our Molecular Origins with the GBT"
- Jill Tartar (UC Berkeley, SETI Institute)
- "Intelligent Astrobiology and the Allen Array, then the SKA"
- Joe Lazio (Naval Research Lab, SKA Science Working Group)
- "The Square Kilometer Array: Charting our Biological Origin."
(Jansky Laboratory Auditorium) |
10:00 -10:15 AM | Break |
10:15 -Noon | Tour of Green Bank Telescope |
Noon - 1:00 PM | Lunch (Residence Cafeteria) |
1:00 PM | Depart for Washington D.C. |
6:00 PM | Arrive in Washington D.C. |
The excursion bus is a modern facility with video capability and bathroom.
Those who wish to drive to the observatory may want to take advantage of
near-by skiing opportunities. The Green Bank site is a 30 minute drive
from the highly regarded Snowshoe ski resort. For more information, visit
the Snowshoe web site
or call 1-877-441-4FUN.
The Green Bank site has a year round tour program, with Science Center
Museum, guided tours and interactive displays. The AbSciCon attendees
may call NRAO at any time to arrange a free public tour of
the NRAO facilities. To arrange a group tour call the Science
Center at 304-456-2150.
Modified on Tuesday, 07-Feb-2006 15:12:39 EST
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