The 100-m radio telescope of the Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie (MPIfR) is a unique European astronomical facility that combines superb sensitivity and wide frequency coverage with distinct versatility, making the telescope not only a world-class instrument for astronomical research (rivalled only by the Green Bank Telescope in the US) but also a test bed for emerging and future innovative technology.
The telescope, located in a protected valley near Bad Münstereifel-Effelsberg, can be used to observe radio emission from celestial objects in a wavelength range from 73 cm (408 MHz) down to 3.5 mm (86 GHz). Its sensitivity at high frequencies is achieved through the accuracy of the surface profile (better than 0.5 mm rms), which is maintained over a wide range of elevation via a homologous design. In order to optimize its use, many of the telescope sub-systems are being continuously upgraded, as detailed below. The most recent upgrade includes a GUI-driven telescope control system allowing the observer an easy but powerful approach for advanced observing planning.
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Contact:
Dr. A. Kraus
e-mail: akraus [at] mpifr-bonn [dot] mpg [dot] de
MPIfR
Auf dem Hügel 69
53121 Bonn
Germany
website
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