Astrobiology Links:

AbSciCon 06

Square Kilometer Array

SETI

Long Wavelength Array

Allen Array

CARMA

Submillimeter Array

Large Millimeter Telescope

Haystack

NIST

NRAO

NASA Astrobiology


Excursion Registration Form: pdf (or doc)
Make your own Model GBT!
(Print Friendly Version)

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
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.
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.

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)
10:00
-11:00 PM
Radio Astronomy and Astrobiology - Future Directions for NASA/SETI/NRAO -- Discussion/Drinks in Residence Lounge.
2006 March 31Event
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