Welcome to the
Sardinia Radio Telescope

SRT is a 64-meter diameter parabolic radio telescope operated by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) and managed by the Astronomical Observatory of Cagliari. This versatile facility enables the exploration of the Universe through single-dish and Very Large Baseline Interferometry observations.

SRT Virtual Tour

Overview

The Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) is a 64-meter diameter parabolic radio telescope operated by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) and managed by the Astronomical Observatory of Cagliari.

It is situated in the plain of Pranu Sanguni in San Basilio at an altitude of 600 m a.s.l., 35 km north of Cagliari (IT). One of the most advanced technical features of the SRT is its active surface, comprising 1008 aluminium panels supported by electromechanical actuators in order to compensate for deformations induced by gravity and allowing us to observe a wide range of scientific targets from 300 MHz to 116 GHz.

SRT operates both as a single dish (continuum, full Stokes, timing and spectroscopy) and as part of European and international networks (Very Long Baseline Interferometry and Pulsar Timing networks), participating in regular calls for proposals.

Thanks to its large aperture and versatility (multi-frequency agility and wide frequency coverage), SRT is dedicated to achieving scientific excellence, providing open access to the research community, and fostering public engagement through education and outreach initiatives.

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Science and Technology

SRT makes a substantial contribution to scientific discovery and the advancement of cutting-edge technology.

Science

Thanks to its large aperture and versatility (frequency agility and wide frequency coverage), SRT plays an important role in science both as a single dish and as part of observing networks, including international Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) arrays and pulsar timing networks. Science with SRT spans a broad range of topics, from galaxy clusters and galaxies to star-forming regions and evolved stars, supernova remnants, masers, stellar-mass and supermassive black-holes, X-ray binaries, pulsars, fast radio bursts (FRBs), gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), transient sources, the Sun, gravitational waves, the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and much more (see the publications obtained with SRT).

Technology

SRT’s state-of-the-art technology features a sophisticated optical design that enables the telescope to accommodate up to 20 receivers. SRT is undergoing a significant upgrade to expand its scientific capabilities, specifically aiming to enable observations at high radio frequencies up to 116 GHz. This modernization is crucial for maintaining the telescope's cutting-edge role in radio astronomy. A key part of this effort is the installation of new receivers and backends. Furthermore, achieving the required high-frequency performance necessitates the implementation of a sophisticated metrology system to ensure optimal pointing and surface accuracy.

64 Diameter

1116 Actuators

8 Receivers

0.3 - 116 GHz Frequency range

Outreach

Explore the invisible universe through our comprehensive Outreach & Education program. Join us for captivating visits, exciting events, and specialized learning opportunities focusing on general astronomy, radio astronomy, and the state-of-the-art Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT).

Outreach

Visits, Education Programs & Public Events

The SRT facility is open to both school groups and the general public, typically offering visits twice a month on Fridays, structured across three guided tours, inside the Visitor center and outside, close to the antenna. The official visit schedule is regularly updated every six months.
While the SRT is a spectacular external sight, internal access is restricted for operational safety. We have, however, created a high-quality virtual tour that allows you to safely explore its complex and fascinating environments from anywhere.

1250+ Students/Year

1550+ General public/Year

27+ Visiting days/Year

Explore Outreach

People Activities

Student Activities

Welcome to theSardinia Radio Telescope

Call for Proposals

Overview

Science and Technology

Science

Technology

Outreach

Visits, Education Programs & Public Events

Welcome to the
Sardinia Radio Telescope