Radioteleskop Effelsberg

The radio telescope Effelsberg is a radio telescope in the Eifel part Ahrgebirge. It stands near Effelsberg in the North Rhine-Westphalian district of Euskirchen. The aperture (opening width) of the 1967 to 1971 built and put into operation 1972 large radio astronomical telescope is 100 m. The radio telescope Effelsberg belongs to the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn. It was built between 1968 and 1971 by a consortium of the MAN Gustavsburg plant and the Friedrich Krupp AG and put into operation on 1 August 1972. The technical difficulties of producing a radio telescope with a diameter of 100 m stem from the deformation of the mirror when moving and tilting, which disturbs the design structure of the parabolic mirrors. In radio astronomy, however, the geometric properties of such mirrors are of particular interest, because the waves collected in parallel to the axis are all reflected in the same phase to the focal point and thus allow maximum amplification. Therefore, with the aid of the finite element method, the design has been calculated in such a way that the mirror deformations occurring in each mirror position and during each tracking movement again result in parabolic properties, so that in each case only the receiver has to be traced to the new focal point. After completion of the radio telescope measurements showed that the original desired tolerance of the mirror of 1 mm could be significantly undercut. Currently (2012) the mean deviation from the ideal paraboloid is less than 0.6 mm.Visitor's pavilion at the radio telescope
The valley between the surrounding mountains largely protects the telescope from terrestrial radiation. [3] Broadcasting stations were banished from the environment.About 45% of the observation time is provided to foreign astronomers.The radio telescope Effelsberg served as a template for the 500 Pf stamp of the permanent mark series industry and technology of the German Federal Post.

From the hiking trail in the valley of the Effelsberg brook you have a nice view of the radio telescope Effelsberg.

The Effelsberg radio telescope is one of the most powerful observatories in Europe. The large surface of the antenna with an opening of approximately 7,850 square meters and a diameter of 100 m is important for the secure reception of the extremely weak radio signals from long distances. The total weight of the steel structure is 3,200 tons. The telescope's parabolic mirror can be rotated 360 degrees in just under fifteen minutes and tilted almost 90 degrees in about five minutes. This allows the entire sky above the horizon to be observed with the telescope. More interesting information is available here: mpifr-bonn.mpg.de/effelsberg

With a diameter of 100 meters, the Effelsberg radio telescope, inaugurated on May 12, 1971, is one of the two largest fully articulated radio telescopes on earth. Since it was fully operational in 1972, work has been ongoing to improve its technology. E.g. the surface of the main mirror was renewed, drive motors and gears replaced, better and more modern receivers and evaluation devices ("backends") were used and of course the computers used were repeatedly replaced by the latest hardware. Therefore, the telescope is still considered to be one of the most modern telescopes in the world.

The telescope is used to observe radio radiation from all over the cosmos. Among other things are observed Pulsars, cold gas and dust clouds, star formation regions, magnetic fields in the Milky Way and other galaxies, rays of matter emanating from black holes and cores of distant galaxies.
Effelsberg is an important station for the worldwide interconnection of radio telescopes. With this technique, the sharpest shots of the cosmos ever succeed.

The second largest fully moveable radio telescope in the world may look inconspicuous to some, but if you stand in front of it and realize that this telescope is currently receiving signals from the edge of space, you may become aware of its insignificance. Technology enthusiasts will definitely get their money's worth. The telescope can be aligned on the rail with an accuracy of less than half a millimeter.

The radio telescope Effelsberg is a radio telescope in the Eifel part of the Ahr Mountains. It is located near Effelsberg in the North Rhine-Westphalian district of Euskirchen. The aperture of the large radio astronomy telescope, built from 1967 to 1971 and put into operation in 1972, is 100 m. Wikipedia

When you step out of the forest and see the radio telescope live for the first time, it is an overwhelming moment.

An absolutely rustic spectacle in the middle of nature. With a little luck, the gigantic radio telescope moves even as you walk along. Really exciting to see

With a diameter of 100 meters, the Effelsberg Radio Telescope is one of the world's largest fully mobile radio telescopes. Since its launch in 1972, it has been continuously working to improve its technology (for example, a new antenna dish surface, better receivers for high-quality data, ultra-low-noise electronics), making it one of the world's most advanced telescopes.

It was until 2000 the world's largest mobile radio telescope.

A rarity of space research in our Eifel!

A breathtaking sight of this huge "bowl" of the gun in the valley. With a lot of luck, this huge structure will move.

A really great, imposing building of science in the middle of beautiful nature!

The sight is overwhelming!

That's an impressive, huge piece of technology.

Instead of an open-air video presentation on the function of the radio telescope

Imposing construction and good fries at the beginning of the Star Trail.

With a diameter of 100 meters, the Effelsberg radio telescope is one of the largest radio telescopes in the world. Very impressive! Here you realize how small you are ...

Incredibly impressive sight of this technical masterpiece, which has been exploring space in an international network since the 1970s

Again and again there is a great view of the radio telescope

If you want to hike, there are several trails where there is always something to read and experience about planets, the solar system and the universe.

A very pleasant, quiet hike.

Great scenery and an impressive building. Am always baffled when I see what people can build.

Impressive and interesting facility
(CAUTION: some routes lead through the cordoned off company premises, check before setting out)