The GCTU Engineering Students Association (ESA), made up of 60 individuals, has explored the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (GRAO) on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Kuntunse, Greater Accra.
The tour, organized by the Industrial Liaison Department (ILD), in collaboration with ESA, was part of activities marking their week-long celebration which provided a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and exposure to the field of astronomy.
Some of the highlights of the tour included exploring the observatory’s state-of-the-art radio telescopes, learning about the technology behind radio astronomy and gaining insights into the fascinating world of celestial objects and phenomena.
A Rigger and Mechanical Technician at GRAO, Mr. Henry Agbor, took the students on a fascinating journey through time, sharing the rich history of GRAO. He gave the students an in-depth tour of the 32-meter radio telescope, explaining its intricate components and functionality, including:
- Panels and structure: – panels that make up the dish, highlighting their number, shape and arrangement.
- Telescope dimensions: – the dish’s diameter and height, giving the students a sense of its scale.
- Maintenance: – how the panels are maintained.
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Sub-reflector and signal path: – how signals are collected by the reflector, focused onto the sub-reflector and then directed to the receiver through a beam waveguide.
A Scientist at GRAO, Dr. Benedicta Wood, provided students with a deeper understanding of the control room, the technical aspects of GRAO operations, giving them insights into how the antenna is precisely controlled and positioned, the systems and methods used to track celestial objects and the importance of accurate antenna steering for data collection.
