OVRO 40 meter Telescope

The OVRO 40 meter Telescope is a radio telescope at Owens Valley Observatory in California that receives radio waves from distant cosmic sources with its large dish antenna. The facility operates continuously and tracks the behavior of objects across the sky to study their properties over time.

The telescope began operations in 1968 as an experimental prototype for a larger research program. It later became an independent observatory and continues to collect scientific data today.

The California Institute of Technology manages this scientific facility, contributing to astronomical research and education in the United States.

The telescope sits in Owens Valley north of Big Pine, reachable from Highway 395. Visitors should be aware of the remote location and harsh desert conditions that may affect a visit.

The observatory played a role in discovering PKS 2131-021, a system with two supermassive black holes orbiting each other. This observation helped astronomers better understand the nature of such extreme cosmic objects.

Location: California

Diameter: 40 m

Part of: Owens Valley Radio Observatory

Website: http://ovro.caltech.edu

GPS coordinates: 37.23330,-118.28400

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:05