IRAM 30m telescope

IRAM 30m telescope
Alternative names	IRAM 30m millimeter radio telescope
Part of	Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures; Event Horizon Telescope; Institut de radioastronomie millimétrique; Sierra Nevada Observatory
Location(s)	Province of Granada, Andalusia, Spain, Iberian Peninsula, Europe, Northern Hemisphere
Coordinates	37°03′58″N 3°23′34″W
Organization	Institut de radioastronomie millimétrique
Altitude	2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Wavelength	0.8 mm (370 GHz)-3 mm (100 GHz)
Telescope style	radio telescope
Diameter	30 m (98 ft 5 in)
Mounting	altazimuth mount
Website	www.iram-institute.org
	Location of IRAM 30m telescope
	Related media on Wikimedia Commons

The IRAM 30m millimeter radio telescope is a radio telescope for astronomical observations in the millimeter range of wavelengths, operated by the Institute for Radio Astronomy in the Millimeter Range (IRAM)) and located on the Sierra Nevada, in Spain, close to the Pico Veleta peak. It is the second largest millimeter-wave telescope in the world after the Large Millimeter Telescope, but has to date been much more scientifically productive than its larger competitor. Each year more than 200 scientists from all over the world visit this observatory to explore the universe at millimeter wavelengths, with interests going from the Solar System to interstellar dust and gas or cosmology.

Formally started in 1980 and in use for astronomical observations beginning in 1984[1][2], the observatory features a radio telescope produced by MT Mechantronics[3] with a pedestal-yoke design[4]. The 30m telescope is one of the largest and most sensitive millimeter telescopes in the world, and is equipped with a suite of heterodyne receivers and continuum cameras operating at wavelengths of around 3, 2, 1, and 0.9mm. IRAM offers guided tours through the observatory and public talks during the summer months[5].

The IRAM 30m telescope participated in the Event Horizon Telescope project, which produced the first direct image of a black hole.[6]

References

Baars, Hooghoudt, Mezger, & de Jonge (1987). "The IRAM 30-m millimeter radio telescope on Pico Veleta, Spain". Astronomy & Astrophysics. 175: 319–326.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Encrenaz, Gómez-González, Lequeux, and Orchiston (2011). "HIGHLIGHTING THE HISTORY OF FRENCH RADIO ASTRONOMY. 7: THE GENESIS OF THE INSTITUTE OF RADIOASTRONOMY AT MILLIMETER WAVELENGTHS (IRAM)". Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage. 14 (2): 83–92.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
"MT Mechantronics - Radio Telescopes". Retrieved 2018-10-24.
Greve & Bremer (2010). Thermal Design and Thermal Behaviour of Radio Telescopes and their Enclosures. Springer-Verlag.
"IRAM Annual Report 2017" (PDF). Retrieved 2018-10-24.
"Event Horizon Telescope Captures First Image of Black Hole | Astronomy | Sci-News.com". Breaking Science News | Sci-News.com. Retrieved 2019-04-10.

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[1] Baars, Hooghoudt, Mezger, & de Jonge (1987). "The IRAM 30-m millimeter radio telescope on Pico Veleta, Spain". Astronomy & Astrophysics. 175: 319–326.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[2] Encrenaz, Gómez-González, Lequeux, and Orchiston (2011). "HIGHLIGHTING THE HISTORY OF FRENCH RADIO ASTRONOMY. 7: THE GENESIS OF THE INSTITUTE OF RADIOASTRONOMY AT MILLIMETER WAVELENGTHS (IRAM)". Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage. 14 (2): 83–92.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[3] "MT Mechantronics - Radio Telescopes". Retrieved 2018-10-24.

[4] Greve & Bremer (2010). Thermal Design and Thermal Behaviour of Radio Telescopes and their Enclosures. Springer-Verlag.

[5] "IRAM Annual Report 2017" (PDF). Retrieved 2018-10-24.

[6] "Event Horizon Telescope Captures First Image of Black Hole | Astronomy | Sci-News.com". Breaking Science News | Sci-News.com. Retrieved 2019-04-10.