Owens Valley Radio Observatory

Owens Valley Radio Observatory is a research facility with multiple radio telescopes, including two large 90-foot antennas and an even larger 130-foot observing dish, that together capture signals from space. The equipment spreads across the grounds and enables coordinated observations to study natural radio emissions from celestial objects.

The facility began in 1958 when a 32-foot radio telescope was moved from Caltech's Palomar Observatory to this valley to study radio emissions from space. From that initial research grew an expanding collection of specialized instruments that today enable advanced observations.

Caltech operates this facility and employs astronomers who work with modern instruments and deepen their skills in radio astronomy. Visitors notice how the daily research work shapes the scientists here and how the site serves as a training ground for the next generation of radio astronomers.

The site lies north of Los Angeles near Bishop and is reachable by car, though the drive from the valley takes several hours. Visitors should dress warmly since the valley sits at elevation and the air is thin, especially when visiting after sunset.

The Long Wavelength Array here is the most powerful radio telescope operating below 100 megahertz in the world. This device allows researchers to observe the lowest frequencies of the radio sky in ways not possible anywhere else.

Location: Owens Valley

Official opening: 1958

Elevation above the sea: 1,222 m

Website: https://ovro.caltech.edu

GPS coordinates: 37.23390,-118.28200

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46