Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) Site Tour
If you haven’t visited the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) then here’s your chance!
“The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) is an internationally known facility for science and technology research related to radio astronomy. It operates three telescopes on its extensive radio-quiet site: a 26-metre fully steerable dish, a seven-antenna aperture synthesis array and a solar radio flux monitor. It also features labs and equipment for the development of all aspects of radio-frequency instrumentation, from antennas and feeds, to digital signal processing hardware and software.”
Tour groups will leave Penticton Lakeside Resort, Convention Centre & Casino at:
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Sun 8 Nov - 1 Tour of 30 participants max 14:00 pm
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Tues 10 Nov - 2 Tours of 30 participants max each (60 total) at 9:00 am and 14:00 pm
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Thurs 12 Nov - 2 Tours of 30 participants max each (60 total) at 9:00 am and 14:00 pm
It takes around 60 minutes round trip, to get to and from the DRAO site (from the hotel). The duration of the tour is approx. 1.5 hours. If you add on questions asked and answered, restroom breaks and a possible coffee/tea/water break, Id say you were looking at being away from the conference for around 3 hours.
Registration will be conducted via the Google Sheet Link below, which takes you to a DRAO Site Tour Pre-Registration Form.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aEQTDTr7gL-b4-pYLh_eAGCRr9Oz7wAjzA2pj2L79Hk/edit?usp=sharing
Here’s how it works:
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Find the tour date and time tabs at the bottom of the page,
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Click on your preferred date and time,
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Add your name to the list and then save.
SKAO does not guarantee availability for all and therefore encourages participants to register early.
Confirmed participants in the DRAO Site Tour Pre-Registration are assumed to be participating. If you cannot go, please get in touch as soon as possible.
Don’t miss it!
Please also note we only accept registered conference participants on the Tour.
If you are renting a car and wish to drive to the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory please find driving directions below:
Driving directions to the Penticton research facilities
By Road, from PENTICTON
- Drive approximately 12 km SOUTH on HIGHWAY 97
- Go past HIGHWAY 3, turn off to VANCOUVER, continue 500 m
- Turn RIGHT onto WHITE LAKE RD
- Continue along WHITE LAKE RD for approximately 8 km
- Pass St. ANDREW’S golf course on your RIGHT, continue for 1 km to the entrance of DRAO. (9 km from HIGHWAY 97)
By Road, from OKANAGAN FALLS
- Drive NORTH from OKANAGAN FALLS approximately 8 km
- Turn LEFT onto WHITE LAKE RD
- Continue along WHITE LAKE RD for 8 km
- Pass St. ANDREW’S golf course on your RIGHT, continue for 1 km to the entrance of DRAO. (9 km from HIGHWAY 97)
Visitors are asked to LEAVE their cars at the ROAD and walk to the Observatory grounds (approximately 600 m). Automobile ignition systems can emit radio waves that interfere with the astronomers’ observations.
Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO)
717 White Lake Road
PO Box 248
Penticton, British Columbia V2A 6J9
Telephone: 250-497-2300
