Ooty Radio Telescope

The Ooty Radio Telescope is an observation station built into a mountain valley in Tamil Nadu using a long cylindrical parabolic antenna to detect radio waves from space. The installation sits at a high elevation where atmospheric conditions favor astronomical observations.

The telescope was conceived in the early 1960s and constructed in the years following, becoming operational in the early 1970s. This project was part of India's expansion of radio astronomy research capabilities.

The facility serves as an educational center where students and researchers study radio astronomy and conduct observations of celestial objects through specialized equipment.

Access to the facility requires advance permission, and visitors should know the location is mountainous and sits at high elevation. It helps to check opening times and road conditions ahead of time before making the trip.

The installation uses thousands of parallel steel wires as its reflecting surface, all held in place by movable support frames. This unusual design allows it to catch radio signals from different points across the sky.

Location: Tamil Nadu

Elevation above the sea: 2,240 m

Length: 530 m

Width: 30 m

Website: http://rac.ncra.tifr.res.in/ort.html

GPS coordinates: 11.38340,76.66616

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:40