Algonquin Radio Observatory

The Algonquin radio telescope is Canada’s national radio observatory. Completed in the 1960s, ARO’s 46m antenna is the second largest in North America. It is situated on a 100 acre wild and breathtakingly beautiful site on Lake Travers, deep inside Algonquin Park. Operating at radio frequency, the giant parabolic dish focuses electromagnetic radiation towards the focus cabin mounted on three legs above the surface. The efficiency gained by the large reflecting surface enables the telescope to receive signals from Mars and to determine precisely the location of the telescope with respect to Pulsars in neighboring star systems.

The Observatory is operated by Thoth Technology, a small company that provides specialist space-tracking and communications services with near-Earth and interplanetary spacecraft, using the 46m antenna. Thoth now also offers site access and accommodation for educators, research users and visitors wishing to explore the wild beauty of the area and see its wildlife.

Please visit the Algonquin Radio Observatory (ARO) Official Website