Very Small Array

The Very Small Array is a radio interferometer at Teide with 14 antenna elements operating at 30 GHz to detect cosmic microwave background radiation. Located at 2500 meters elevation, the facility can measure extremely faint signals coming from space.

The radio interferometer was built to expand observations at Teide Observatory, which began operations in 1964. Since its launch, the system has contributed significantly to research on cosmic microwave background radiation.

Researchers from many countries work together at this facility to study the early universe and share their findings. This international collaboration turns the location into a meeting place for science and global knowledge.

The high elevation offers good conditions for radio astronomy since fewer atmospheric disturbances affect measurements. Visitors should know that the facility sits on a mountain peak and access may be limited.

The system uses special filtering methods to remove interference from our own Milky Way from the measurement data. This enables very precise recordings of fine patterns in cosmic radiation.

Location: Tenerife

Elevation above the sea: 2,500 m

Part of: Teide Observatory

Website: http://jb.man.ac.uk/tech/technology/vsa.html

GPS coordinates: 28.30064,-16.51028

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28