Upgraded GMRT an example to the world: Prof Swarup

The man behind the installation of Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT) project and internationally acclaimed astrophysicist Prof Govind Swarup said that the upgraded GMRT is an example to the world and also has put the project on progress.

Prof Swarup inaugurated the first phase of the upgraded GMRT (u-GMRT) at its observatory in Khodad, 80 km from the city at Narayangaon  on Sunday.

The facility is established by the National Centre for radio-astrophysics (NCRAs), which was set up by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. 

Prof Swarup lauded the efforts of GMRT scientists and technicians in modifying and upgrading the facility which would enable observations with increased clarity and overall improvement of data quality from the telescope. 

NCRA director SK Ghosh, dean Jairam Chenglur, GMRT dean Yashwant Gupta, IUCAA director Ajit Kembhavi, C-DAC director General Rajat Muna, prof. Anant Krishnan and others were present at the event.

GMRT is the world’s largest radio telescope facility operating at low frequencies which is an array of 30 fully steerable 45 metre diameter antennas. The GMRT is spread over 30 km area around Khodad at Narayangaon. GMRT has been used by astronomers world over for cutting age and frontline research in numerous areas of astronomy and astrophysics.