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THE WORLD’S LARGEST radio telescope will now be based partly in Birr, Co Offaly after the I-LOFAR antenna is switched on for the first time today.
The telescope is part of a network of antennae distributed across Europe that paint a picture of what’s happening in the universe by detecting radio waves that land on earth.
It’s called the Low-Frequency Array, or LOFAR, telescope and is based primarily in the Netherlands but has 11 international stations spread across Germany, Poland, France, UK, and Sweden.
The spread of the stations across the large distances gives a more accurate picture of what’s happening in space and this newest station in Ireland will be furthest west of the antennae.
The location of this Irish station will be in the centre of the country on the grounds of Birr Castle, Co. Offaly.
The site already has a storied history in astronomy as it was the site of the Leviathan telescope, a six-foot reflecting telescope that was the largest telescope in the world from 1845 to 1917.
The Irish site was partly funded by a €1.4 million award from Science Foundation Ireland and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation says it will fund the annual membership fee for LOFAR.
Minister of State John Halligan will be present to switch on the station and said it will offer a “unique opportunity for research and engagement” for both young people and scientific researchers.
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Space exploration is the total future,the only question is how quickly it moves but any investment is a no brainer.
@Richard Sweeney: Talk us through this Richard, what have we got going on here?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/144468801@N05/32493875581/in/photostream
Don’t leave us hanging.
@Richard Sweeney: Fantastic pics Richard!
@Chief: hi chief. That’s my personal window on the universe.
@Good Early: Thank you. Always nice to get feedback.
@Richard Sweeney: Stunning pictures Richard
@Richard Sweeney: wow. Some piece of home equipment
@Richard Sweeney: I was enquiring about the green slide.
Fantastic setup. Brilliant photos.
Considering that most of Offaly is around 50 years back in time – this telescope should give some interesting results.
Jabba the hut biffo Cowan was a right space cadet, keeping up the tradition alright
These types of telescopes only suit theorists and their wild speculations whereas telescopes which show actual images of planets delight people of all ages. The future of astronomy is time lapse imaging which helps condense long term imaging into easily understood astronomical stories. As an example,the main discovery of Copernicus was that the faster moving Earth overtakes the slower moving outer planets thereby causing them to fall temporarily behind in view like a faster car in an inner lane overtaking slower moving cars in outer lanes -
Can it send the data over a dial up link?
I will argue aligning the original telescope with Satan was a retregrade step witch has impeded devevolment in Offaly….l cite Bord na Mona (basket case) Offaly hurlers/footballers and dare l say IT Seamus Darby….witch goes to prove The Suits are as thick as planks…..again abusive replies will not be countenanced…..
@Rachel Didleu: do you mean the Leviamthian connection Rachel, well spotted…
F*ck the rosses. Most hated family in Offaly
@Jack Ryan: no they’re not actually
have your say