Irbene Radio Astronomy Center

The world’s eighth-largest radio telescope can be found in Kurzeme, not very far from the seaside between Kolka and Ventspils. Even today, the massive dish of the radio telescope, used during the Cold War years by the So
Irbene Radio Astronomy Center

 

Ventspils Radioastronomy Centre in Irbene is a former town of Russian Army - still features two parabolic radio telescopes, currently used for scientific purposes. One of them (D 32 m) is the biggest radio telescope in the Northern Europe and the eighth biggest in the world.

Science 
Parabolic antennas are used for observations of interstellar environmental objects, Solar radio‑observations, radiolocation of asteroids and near-Earth artificial objects including space debris, especially for large base interferometry observations of objects outside the Solar System.

Excursion program:

1.  A walk across the Irbene territory around the radio telescopes RT-32 and RT-162.  RT-8 tour with the possibility to climb to the top and see the expanses of Kurzeme,3.  A walk through the underground tunnel,4.  A visit to F. Cander's memorial space in the "Kristāls" buildingThe excursion time is about 1.5 hours, it is available in Latvian, English and Russian. 

How to apply?

Excursions take place by prior appointment with a guide only (in Latvian, English and Russian). To apply for the excursion, please send an e-mail to: infovirac@venta.lv or call 29230818 (working days only). Excursions are available from May till October. 

 

Location
Irbene, Ances pagasts, Ventspils novads

Working time
By prior arrangement
Services and facilities
  • Autostāvvieta
  • Gida pakalpojumi
Contacts
Languages
RU    EN    LV