Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center

The Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, known as VIRAC, sits about 30 kilometres north of Ventspils, Latvia, on the Baltic Sea coast in Ance parish.

About Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre

VIRAC grew out of the Irbene complex, originally built as a secret Soviet astronomy and communications installation, nicknamed “Zvezdochka” (Little Star). Today it functions as a state-owned scientific organisation carrying out radio astronomy research on the Baltic coast.

History

The Irbene site was founded on 10 June 1967 and remained secret until 1993, after Latvia regained independence. Following the withdrawal of the Soviet Army, the Latvian Academy of Sciences took over the facility in 1994, and VIRAC was formally established on 22 July 1994. The centre was later reorganised as a state-owned scientific non-profit limited liability company.

Telescopes & research

The site originally held a 32-metre radio telescope, two smaller telescopes, and the communications centre. Two of the three radio telescopes have since been repaired and renewed, keeping VIRAC active in radio astronomy research on the Baltic coast.

Location & getting there

Set on the coast north of Ventspils in Ance parish, the centre's remote, low-population setting suits the sensitive equipment needed for radio astronomy work.

Visiting Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre

Check the official website for current tour options and opening details before planning a visit, as access to a working scientific installation may be more limited than at a typical public observatory.

See your named star from here

A radio astronomy centre works differently from an optical observatory, but the underlying idea is the same: any point in the sky can be described by coordinates, including your named star's. Name a star or browse the catalogue to find yours.