IRAM 30-meter telescope

The IRAM 30-meter telescope is a radio telescope located high in the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain that receives millimeter waves from space. The giant dish with its wide opening can pick up very faint signals from distant stars and clouds in the universe.

The telescope was built in the 1980s and was one of the largest observers of very short radio waves at that time. It played an important role in the development of modern radio astronomy and made new discoveries about space possible.

The facility attracts researchers from around the world who work together to study the cosmos. This international collaboration makes it a major hub for advancing knowledge about space.

The site sits at great elevation in the mountains, so be prepared for cold temperatures and thin air. The best time to visit is during the warm months when mountain roads are easily accessible.

The antenna panels of the telescope are adjusted with exceptional precision to capture even the faintest signals from space. This careful tuning allows it to detect details that would remain invisible to other instruments.

Location: Granada

Location: Province of Granada

Elevation above the sea: 2,850 m

Diameter: 30 m

Part of: Event Horizon Telescope

Website: https://iram-institute.org/observatories/30-meter-telescope

GPS coordinates: 37.06616,-3.39272

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42