description Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope Overview
The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is a large radio observatory located in India. It utilizes an interferometer with thirty individual dishes to detect low-frequency radio waves from space. This allows astronomers to study celestial objects like pulsars and the cosmic microwave background. The GMRT is primarily used by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and TIFR for investigations in astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science.
insights Ranking position
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope ranks #70 of 270 in the Observatory ranking, behind HAWC Observatory, ahead of Paris Observatory.
help Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope FAQ
Where is the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) located?
The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope is located near the city of Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), which is a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
How many antennas make up the GMRT array?
The GMRT is an interferometer array consisting of exactly thirty fully steerable parabolic dish antennas. These dishes are spread out in a specific Y-shaped configuration over a baseline of roughly 25 kilometers to simulate a much larger telescope.
What specific type of astronomical observation does the GMRT focus on?
The telescope is specifically designed to observe at metrewave, or very low radio frequencies, ranging from roughly 150 MHz to 1500 MHz. This allows astronomers to study phenomena like pulsars, distant galaxies, and the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Has the GMRT undergone any major upgrades?
Yes, in recent years the facility underwent a massive overhaul known as the GMRT Upgrade (uGMRT). This upgrade drastically improved the telescope's sensitivity, bandwidth, and software systems, keeping it competitive with other major global radio arrays.
explore Explore More
Similar to Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope
See all arrow_forwardReviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.