Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment

The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment is a radio telescope in Okanagan Falls comprising four stationary cylindrical reflectors, each measuring 100 meters long and 20 meters wide. Each reflector holds roughly 256 radio antennas that work together to capture cosmic signals from space.

The telescope was built between 2015 and 2017 and began operations in 2017 when it first detected cosmic signals. The stationary design was chosen to enable simpler and more reliable monitoring of the sky.

Scientists from multiple North American universities collaborate at CHIME to study cosmic phenomena and advance understanding of the universe's expansion.

Visitors can view the telescope from outside to see the massive cylindrical structures up close and understand their scale and design. The site sits inland in British Columbia and is best reached by personal vehicle.

The telescope contains no moving parts and uses Earth's natural rotation to observe half the sky each day. This represents a completely different approach from conventional telescopes that must move mechanically.

Location: Okanagan Falls

Elevation above the sea: 545 m

Length: 100 m

Width: 20 m

Part of: Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory

Website: https://chime-experiment.ca

GPS coordinates: 49.32083,-119.62361

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:42