The
Plateau de Bure is located in the South of the French Alps in the Département
of Hautes Alpes at geographical longitude 05°54'28.5" EAST and latitude 44°38'02.0"
(phase center of the synthesized array). The interferometer's high altitude (2552 m) and vast flat
surface make it a unique astronomical site in Europe. Specifically, in dry
winter weather, the precipitable water in the atmosphere drops below 2 millimeters,
offering excellent atmospheric transmission and interferometric phase stability.
The observatory can be reached from Grenoble in about 2 hours.
After the cable-car accident in 1999, two means of transport to Plateau de Bure
have been available: transport by helicopter or on the ground using a four-wheel
drive in summer, a ratrack in winter time and a final foot-path to get atop
the Plateau.
The observatory has been designed and equipped to support all technical
and scientific activities that must be carried out locally. It comprises
living quarters for the staff on duty, a huge hall for antenna assembly,
maintenance and repair, a control room from which the array is operated
and the necessary environment for computers, backends, etc... |
