Metsähovi Radio Observatory

The Metsähovi Radio Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Finland, affiliated with the Aalto University. Its main premises are in Metsähovi, Kirkkonummi, 35 kilometers west of the university's Otaniemi campus.

Metsähovi Radio Observatory
Alternative namesMetsähovin radiotutkimusasema
OrganizationAalto University 
LocationKirkkonummi, Kylmälä, Finland
Coordinates60°13′05″N 24°23′38″E
Established1974 
Websitemetsahovi.aalto.fi/en/
TelescopesMetsahovi 14m radio telescope 
Location of Metsähovi Radio Observatory
Related media on Wikimedia Commons

The observatory currently operates one 13.7 m diameter radio telescope, staffed by some 20 researchers, engineers, research assistants, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and supporting personnel. Operational since 1974, the observatory is active in the fields of:

  • Fundamental research in radio astronomy
  • Development of instruments needed in radio astronomy
  • Development of methods for radio astronomical measurements
  • Applied scientific computing
  • Space research
  • Education

The equipment at the observatory is focused primarily on extrasolar radio signals between 2 and 150 GHz. The primary subjects of the research are variable quasars, active galaxies, molecular line radiation, geodetic and astronomic very long baseline interferometry as a member of the European VLBI Network. Secondary subjects are solar observations, solar system 22 GHz water maser and spacecraft related analysis.

The observatory observed the near-total Solar eclipse of March 20, 2015 at 11.2 and 37 GHz.[1]

References

  1. "Solar eclipse as seen by a radio telescope". 20 March 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2015.


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