Trip to GMRT

Trip to GMRT at Khodad

On our way back from Lenyadri we decided to visit the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope at Khodad. Since we were going there without an appointment and too on their holiday I was not sure if we would be allowed entry. I was pleasantly surprised when they not only allowed us to visit but also provided their own vehicle for a short trip.

For getting permission to visit check their website http://www.gmrt.ncra.tifr.res.in/ or contact:

Mr. J. K. Solanki

Administrative Officer

Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope PROJECT

Post Box 6, Naryangoan, Tal - Junnar,

Dist - Pune. PIN : 410 504

email : solanki@ncra.tifr.res.in

Phone Nos. at NCRA

+91-20-2569 7107

+91-20-2569 1384

+91-20-2569 1385

Phone Nos. at GMRT

+91-2132-2521 12

+91-2132-2521 13

+91-2132-2521 16

+91-2132-2521 15

+91-2132-2521 17

Or contact

National centre for radio astrophysics

Pune University campus,

Pune 411007

Telephones:

+91 20 2569 7107

+91 20 2569 1384

+91 20 2569 1385

These dishes are 45 meters in diameter and weigh almost 80 tons! And there are 30 such dishes at Khodad. Incidentally these are the telescopes.

Fourteen of the thirty dishes are located more or less randomly in a compact central array in a region of about 1 sq km. The remaining sixteen dishes are spread out along the 3 arms of an approximately `Y'-shaped configuration over a much larger region, with the longest interferometric baseline of about 25 km. The multiplication or correlation of radio signals from all the 435 possible pairs of antennas or interferometers over several hours will thus enable radio images of celestial objects to be synthesized with a resolution equivalent to that obtainable with a single gigantic dish 25 kilometre in diameter So effectively we have a telescope that is 25kms in diamter! Its amazing.

The route to Khodad

Reach Narayangaon and proceed in the direction of Nashik. For the route to Narayangaon refer http://unmeshpatil.blogspot.com/2007/10/trip-to-lenyadri-ganapati.html

About 2 kms after crossing Narayangaon you will reach the Junnar phata (Hotel Poonam) on the left. Keep going straight ahead in the direction of Nashik for about 9 kms. On the way you will cross the restaurant and wine bar of Chateau Indage champagne factory on the right side. Beyond that after crossing the 82^nd milestone keep looking on the right for the Khodad phata. (The milestone number is written on that side of the milestone which faces the road).

Now when were looking for the direction board to Khodad on the right side of the road we found it hidden by a poster of the popular leader from Baramati. Another example of the politicians misleading us! At the same spot there exists a board for the GMRT too.

After taking this turn proceed for about 4 kms till you reach a crossroad. There is a Mandir on the right side. Turn right. Again at this spot too there are 2 boards pointing to the direction of GMRT –one before the chowk and another at the chowk. Incase of doubt you can always ask the locals for directions to the Doorbin.

Another 4 kms from here takes you to the gate of Tata Institute of Fundamental Reasearch and GMRT on the left side. Both the institiutions share the same campus. You have to register with the Security at the gate. Mobile phones have to be switched off once you are on the campus.

Friday is the day when civilians like us can visit the GMRT. You can also have a paid lunch at their canteen if they have given you an appointment. Facilities at GMRT Canteen are worth as there are no hotels-restaurants nearby 10-15 kms. For GMRT Canteen, cash payment is not accepted. You have to buy coupons from the administration, which will be sold during morning tea time (10:45 to 11:00 Hrs). Also as per user's requirement, Cold drink, Coffee, Bisleri-Water etc can be provided by cash payment or coupons.

There is also a local transport facility from Narayangaon to GMRT. The details are on http://www.gmrt.ncra.tifr.res.in/gmrt_hpage/Local/transport.html

Returning after the visit to Khodad I am full of admiration for the work those guys are doing and full of pride on what India has achieved.