Q&U Bolometric Interferometer for Cosmology, Radio interferometer in Puna de Atacama, Argentina.
The Q&U Bolometric Interferometer for Cosmology is a radio telescope in the Puna de Atacama plateau that measures cosmic microwave background radiation. The instrument uses extremely sensitive detectors working at two frequency bands of 150 and 220 gigahertz to detect tiny variations in this ancient radiation.
This facility grew from international research efforts that started in 2008 with European institutions and eventually led to its opening on November 23, 2022. The lengthy development from initial concept to finished telescope shows the enormous effort required for such scientific projects.
Scientists from France, Italy, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Argentina work together at this facility to study the early universe. This international collaboration shows how countries join forces to answer fundamental questions about space.
This observatory sits at 4,820 meters elevation in an extreme environment where air temperature is very cold and air pressure is low. Visitors should be aware of the high altitude and harsh conditions and arrive properly prepared.
The instrument uses a special technique with frozen sensors to capture the tiniest signals from space. This method makes it possible to search for traces of gravitational waves in ancient radiation that other telescopes cannot detect.
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