The Radio Observatory is responsible for the astronomical exploitation of the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) and the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR).

The Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope, one of the most powerful radio observatories in the world,  enables astronomers to study a wide range of astrophysical problems in frequencies between 115 MHz to 8650 MHz.

The WSRT is an open user facility available for scientists from any country. It is also part of the European VLBI network (EVN) of radio telescopes. 

LOFAR is a new radio interferometric array consisting of many low-cost antennae, organised in stations arranged in an area of 100km diameter as well as several international stations and operating between 10 and 250 MHz.

Astronomers can request observing time with WSRT using the NorthStar for WSRT  Web-based proposal tool and for LOFAR, using the NorthStar for LOFAR following the instructions given in the "Announcement for Opportunity" issued periodically.

These web pages provide further information for the WSRT and the LOFAR operations. 

Technical inquiries and requests for support can be requested by e-mail to sciencesupport [at] astron [dot] nl (sciencesupport_AT_astron.nl), where they will be answered or forwarded as needed.

Contact e-mail addresses