Metsähovi Radio Observatory

Metsähovi Radio Observatory is Finland’s only astronomical radio observatory, operated by Aalto University in Kirkkonummi. Its 14-metre main telescope first observed space in 1974 and runs around the clock year-round; the site also operates solar-monitoring instruments and the Metsähovi Compact Array (MCA), a radio interferometer being developed with three 5.5-metre dishes ready and an early-science programme underway. Research spans 2–150 GHz observations of active galaxies and quasars, the Sun, astrophysical masers, Earth rotation and astronomical/geodetic very-long-baseline interferometry, plus receiver, data-system and atomic-clock technology. Aalto accepts visits only by prior arrangement and only for groups; it says no new groups can be taken in 2026 during ongoing upgrade work. The area is radio-quiet: phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other transmitters must be switched off at the gate. Confirm current access and upgrade status with Aalto before travel.