How much does a radio telescope cost?
A complete SPIDER system starts at around €15,900 (VAT excluded) for the 2.3 meter SPIDER 230C and reaches around €89,900 (VAT excluded) for the 5 meter SPIDER 500A MarkII. The final figure depends on accessories you select and whether you include installation and training. We issue a written quotation you can attach to a funding application.
Can a radio telescope observe during the day?
Yes. At 1420 MHz daylight is not a limitation, so a class can observe during normal school hours. The Sun itself becomes one of the sources you can measure.
Does rain or cloud stop radio astronomy observations?
No. Clouds are transparent at these frequencies and rain is not a limitation for hydrogen line work. This is one of the main practical reasons institutions choose a radio telescope over an optical one for a teaching programme.
Do we need a concrete foundation?
The SPIDER 300A MarkII and 500A MarkII are installed on a concrete base. The SPIDER 230C can be installed on a lighter base or on an existing heavy duty mount, which makes it suitable for temporary sites.
Can the radio telescope be controlled remotely?
Yes. RadioUniversePRO controls the instrument over the network, and the Mount over Fiber option extends control up to 2 km from the antenna. Many of our installations are operated from a classroom or an office in a different building.
What is the hydrogen line and why 1420 MHz?
Neutral hydrogen atoms emit radiation at 1420.406 MHz, a wavelength of 21 cm. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, so this single frequency maps the structure and motion of our galaxy. It is the foundation of almost every radio astronomy programme, and every SPIDER is built around it.
Do you provide training for our staff?
Yes. Installation includes a training session on the instrument and on RadioUniversePRO. We are also able to support your team remotely afterwards.
Can we buy a radio telescope with public or grant funding?
Many of our educational and research customers do. We provide the quotation, technical specifications and supplier documentation required by procurement offices and funding bodies, and we can advise on the programmes other institutions in your country have used.
