NWO-I

Institutes Organisation of NWO

ASTRON

Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy

ASTRON facilitates discoveries in radio astronomy through the operation of radio ASTRON facilitates discoveries in radio astronomy through the operation of radio astronomy facilities, the development of instruments and facilities, and the conduct of fundamental astronomical research. The institute is constantly pushing back the technological boundaries of its telescopes to expand our knowledge of the universe.

Radio telescopes in a row
ASTRON Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope. Credits Harm-Jan Stiepels

Research

The astronomical research carried out at ASTRON contributes to the development and definition of the scientific programme and the capabilities of the next generation of large international facilities, such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Topics include the detection and characterisation of fast radio bursts, the evolution of gas and star formation in distant and nearby galaxies, the detection of radiation from the era of reionisation, the testing of gravitational theories, and the detection of gravitational waves from compact objects.

ASTRON plays a significant role internationally. The institute is at the forefront of developing new instruments for astronomy. ASTRON develops the necessary technology in collaboration with industry, thereby also driving innovation in telecommunications, security and data processing. An important component of wireless internet also has its origins in ASTRON’s radio astronomy research.

Contact information

Director

Prof. dr. Jessica Dempsey

Address

ASTRON
Oude Hoogeveensedijk 4, 7991 PD Dwingeloo
+31 521 59 51 00
info@astron.nl

To the ASTRON website

 

Gebouw van ASTRON in Dwingeloo
Gebouw ASTRON in Dwingeloo. Credits Harry Cock
Achtergrondkleur
Paars