The world’s largest radar to detect physical phenomena is located in Peru, highlighted the
Ministry of Environment (Minam), adding that the device uses an antenna that is about the size of 10 times a soccer field and can measure atmospheric layers at an altitude of up to 1,000 km.
This impressive device —with 90,000 square meters of extension— is part of the Jicamarca Radio Observatory of the
Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) located in Lima's Lurigancho-Chosica district, between the provinces of Lima and of Huarochiri, in Lima region.
IGP emphasized that this powerful instrument can study phenomena in the ionosphere and other atmospheric layers from the lowest part of the atmosphere up to an altitude of over 1,000 km.
According to the institute, this is one of the most powerful radars in the world and can release radio waves of 4 megawatts to measure physical parameters in the ionosphere and detect phenomena in the highest areas of the atmosphere.
This radar uses high-tech instrumentation, which places Peru at the forefront of ionospheric radars throughout the world.
IGP noted that the experience of its specialists —gained over the years— and the state-of-the-art technology have led to the development of projects involving the construction of atmospheric and meteorological radars for the study of winds and rainfalls in the low atmosphere, as well as the implementation of surface monitoring radars in landslide-prone areas, among others.
The Jicamarca Radio Observatory and its radar have encouraged the development of technology in the country.
This enabled IGP scientists to develop other instruments such as monitoring systems for landslides, rainfalls, volcanoes, among others, in order to take actions in the fields of agriculture, telecommunications (antennas), and for disaster risk management.
(END) NDP/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/14/2021