The Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre is located in Irbene, a former Soviet army camp, and is hosted by the Institute of Engineering at Ventspils University College. The 32 m fully rotatable parabolic antenna RT-32, which is the largest in Northern Europe and the eighth largest in the world, and the other 16 m antenna RT-16, are still operating for scientific purposes. Both antennas were renovated in the summer of 2015.
Science
Parabolic antennas are used in observations of interstellar medium objects, radio observations of the Sun, radiolocation of asteroids and near-Earth artificial bodies, including space debris, and especially in large-baseline interferometry observations, tracking objects outside the Solar System.
Excursion program:
- A walk through the Irbene territory around the radio telescopes RT-32 and RT-16
- RT-8 sightseeing with the opportunity to climb up to see the vastness of Kurzeme,
- Hiking through an underground tunnel,
- Visit to the F. Cander memorial room in the "Kristāls" building
- The tour lasts approximately 1,5 hours and is available in Latvian, English, and Russian.
How do I apply and what are the costs of the tour?
Tours are only available with a guide (in Latvian, English and Russian) and by prior arrangement (the tour must be booked at least 3 days in advance).
To apply for a tour, you need to send an e-mail to the following address: [email protected] or call 29230818 (only on weekdays).
Tours take place only in groups (min 1, max 10 people) – the tour price remains unchanged at 65 EUR* (1,5 H). *Students, children or pensioners are considered separately.