The 100-m Radio Telescope of the Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie (MPIfR) is a unique European astronomical facility that combines superb sensitivity and wide frequency coverage (300 MHz to 90 GHz) with distinct versatility. The high surface accuracy of the reflector (the mean deviation from the ideal parabolic form is of the order of 0.5 mm rms) together with the construction principle of “homologous distortion” (i.e., the reflector in any tilted position has a parabolic shape with a well-defined, but shifted, focal point) enables very sensitive observations even at the highest frequencies.
The receiver suite in the secondary focus of the telescope enables a nearly continuous frequency coverage of the telescope between 2-50 GHz in combination with highest possible time and frequency resolution and high frequency agility – switching between the various receivers is possible within 30 seconds.
Currently, a new modular, general-purpose backend system is being installed. This system is based on a digitization of the signal in the receiver and a data transfer via ethernet. Data processing is done on a cluster of GPU servers, where a flexibel realization of various backend modes (continuum, polarimetry, spectroscopy, etc.) is possible.
Observing time is granted after peer-reviewing on an „Open Skies“-basis, i.e. each and every astronomer can apply for observing time. There are three deadlines for proposal submission per year; around Feb, Jun, Oct 1st.
Main technical characteristics
- Frequency coverage 0.3-90 GHz
- high sensitivity and frequency agility
- flexible general-purpose backend-system
The upcoming TNA calls will open on the following dates:
- February 4, 2025
- May 28, 2025
- September 29, 2025
Proposals are to be submitted via the NorthStar system (see below). For questions, please contact sched100@mpifr.de