Sondrestrom Upper Atmospheric Research Facility

The Sondrestrom Upper Atmospheric Research Facility is a scientific research station in Qeqqata designed to study the upper atmosphere. It has a large steerable antenna and multiple specialized instruments that gather data about conditions high above the ground.

The facility moved to its current location in 1983 from a research site in Alaska where it had operated for over a decade. This relocation allowed scientists to study the Arctic atmosphere more directly and effectively.

The research station served as a meeting place for scientists from different countries who worked together on shared projects. Their findings helped people around the world understand how the atmosphere behaves above the Arctic.

The location is isolated in a cold Arctic climate, so proper clothing and preparation are essential for any visit. This is an active research facility rather than a public tourist site, so advance contact with the operators is necessary.

The facility operates with over 20 different instruments working together to observe multiple aspects of the atmosphere simultaneously. This multi-instrument approach allows researchers to gather a more complete picture of how the Arctic atmosphere functions.

Location: Qeqqata

Elevation above the sea: 196 m

Diameter: 32 m

Website: http://isr.sri.com

GPS coordinates: 66.98580,-50.94563

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24