RATAN-600, Radio telescope in Zelenchukskaya, Russia
RATAN-600 is a radio telescope in Zelenchukskaya, Russia, made of 895 rectangular reflectors that form a ring 576 meters across, standing at an elevation of 970 meters. The facility operates in three different modes and receives signals from 610 MHz to 30 GHz to study radio waves coming from space.
Construction started in 1968 and finished in 1977, making it one of the major tools for Soviet astronomy at the time. Since then, the facility has been used to observe distant celestial objects and solar activity in the centimeter waveband.
Scientists and researchers from numerous institutions worldwide collaborate at RATAN-600 to conduct studies on radio waves from celestial objects and solar phenomena.
The site is located in the Caucasus mountains and surrounded by peaks that create a suitable environment for radio observations. Visitors can see the technical infrastructure and antenna structure up close, with guided tours available depending on staff availability.
On May 15, 2015, the telescope picked up a puzzling signal from the star HD164595 that sparked discussion in the scientific world. The event drew international attention to the facility and questions about extraterrestrial sources before other explanations were found.
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