Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos / World Radiation Center

The Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos, also known as the World Radiation Center, is located in Davos, Switzerland.

About PMOD/WRC

Founded in 1907 by Carl Dorno as a privately operated institute, the observatory began its solar irradiance measurements in 1909, producing what is now the world's longest continuing time series of this kind. Since 1922 it has belonged to the Swiss Research Institute Foundation for High Altitude Climate and Medicine, and since 1971 it has held the official designation of World Radiation Center from the World Meteorological Organization.

Telescopes & research

PMOD/WRC's research centres on solar physics, climate modelling, and precise measurement of solar irradiance both in space and on Earth. The institute develops and manufactures radiometers for space and ground applications, and it maintains the primary international standard for solar irradiance using high-precision absolute radiometers.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Davos, Switzerland, in the Europe region, founded in 1907. Full details on the institute and its work are available on the official PMOD/WRC website.

Visiting PMOD/WRC

As a scientific research institute rather than a public stargazing venue, check the official website for any visiting or educational access before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

PMOD/WRC's expertise lies in measuring the Sun's radiation rather than pointing telescopes at distant stars, but the same Alpine skies above Davos are ideal for stargazing — look up the coordinates of a star you've named through Star Register in our star catalogue and find a nearby observatory to view it.