Institut de radioastronomie millimétrique, Grenoble

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, in the city of Grenoble, lies the Institut de radioastronomie millimétrique (IRAM), a premier research facility dedicated to the exploration of the universe through millimeter radio astronomy. Unlike a traditional planetarium, IRAM is an observatory that operates at the forefront of astronomical discovery, probing the mysteries of the cosmos with unparalleled precision.

Established in 1979, IRAM was founded as a collaboration between the French CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), the German MPG (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft), and the Spanish IGN (Instituto Geográfico Nacional). Its location in Grenoble offers a unique vantage point, taking advantage of the clear mountain skies to peer into the depths of space.

The institute is equipped with some of the world's most advanced radio telescopes, which are used to observe the cold universe: molecular gas and dust, as well as the cosmic microwave background. These observations are crucial in understanding the processes of star formation, the mechanics of galaxies, and the overall structure of the universe.

IRAM operates two major facilities: the 30-meter telescope located on Pico Veleta in the Spanish Sierra Nevada, and the NOEMA (Northern Extended Millimeter Array) observatory in the French Alps. The NOEMA observatory, which is currently the most powerful millimeter radio telescope in the Northern Hemisphere, consists of an array of antennas that work together to simulate a single giant telescope, providing astronomers with exquisite detail and sensitivity.

Researchers from around the world compete for observation time on IRAM's telescopes, contributing to a broad range of scientific studies and discoveries. The data collected at IRAM has led to significant contributions in the fields of molecular chemistry, planetary science, and the study of interstellar medium.

While IRAM is not a tourist destination like a planetarium, it occasionally opens its doors to the public during special events and open house days, offering a rare glimpse into the world of professional astronomy. These events enable visitors to learn about the institute's work, the science of radio astronomy, and the technological marvels that make their research possible.