Plateau Observatory

Plateau Observatory, known scientifically as PLATO-R, is a robotic astronomical station on the high Antarctic plateau at Ridge A - one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth to do science.

About Plateau Observatory

PLATO-R (PLATeau Observatory for Ridge A) is a fully automated, robotic observatory that runs year-round without an on-site crew, taking advantage of Ridge A's extreme elevation, very low humidity and minimal wind - conditions that are exceptional for astronomy.

History

PLATO-R is the successor to the original PLATO station at nearby Dome A, which began operating in January 2008. The project brings together researchers from the University of Arizona, the University of New South Wales, and institutions in China, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Telescopes & research

The station's main instrument is HEAT, a 60cm telescope used for spectroscopic mapping at terahertz frequencies (roughly 0.5–2 THz, corresponding to wavelengths of 600–150 microns) - observations that are only possible from an exceptionally dry, high-altitude site like Ridge A.

Location & getting there

Plateau Observatory sits deep in the Antarctic interior at Ridge A, one of the highest and driest points on the polar plateau. It is not accessible by ordinary travel; reaching it requires a dedicated polar science expedition.

Visiting Plateau Observatory

This is a remote, automated research station, not a public attraction - there is no visitor access. Its data and findings are shared through the participating universities' astronomy programmes rather than through on-site tours.

See your named star from here

Ridge A's clear, dry skies are prized precisely because they reveal so much of the sky in fine detail. If you've named a star through Star Register, you won't be visiting it from here, but you can look up its coordinates and browse more of the night sky in our star catalogue.