Bulgaria is moving into the forefront of European space science with the construction of its first observation station for the world’s largest low-frequency radio telescope network, a project expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The announcement came from the Institute of Astronomy at the National Astronomical Observatory of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, which confirmed that the new installation will integrate the country into one of Europe’s most advanced astronomical collaborations.
Once operational, the station will become part of LOFAR, the Low Frequency Array, a vast pan-European radio telescope that links dozens of antenna stations across the continent. Scientists say the addition will significantly strengthen Bulgaria’s research capacity in radio astronomy and space science.
LOFAR is currently the largest telescope of its kind worldwide. It operates 52 antenna stations across eight countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, forming a synchronized network that functions as a single giant instrument.
By coordinating signals from each station, researchers can observe the universe at extremely low radio frequencies. This capability allows scientists to study solar activity, cosmic radiation, pulsars, and the birth and evolution of galaxies with exceptional precision.
Bulgaria’s participation follows its accession as a co-founder of LOFAR ERIC in late 2023. The consortium manages the infrastructure and development of the telescope across member states, promoting shared scientific goals and data access.
The Bulgarian station, known as LOFAR-BG, is being financed through the country’s National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure 2020–2027. Coordination is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Science, which views the project as a strategic investment in research and innovation.
Construction is underway near the National Astronomical Observatory Rozhen, one of Southeast Europe’s leading astronomical facilities. The site was selected for its favorable geographic location and relatively low levels of radio interference, conditions essential for sensitive observations.
Experts say the placement near Rozhen will also allow existing optical astronomy programs to work alongside the new radio system. The combination is expected to create broader opportunities for multi-wavelength research, enabling scientists to cross-check findings from different types of telescopes.
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative carries a strong educational focus. The Institute of Astronomy plans to launch a summer internship program in 2026 dedicated to radio astronomy and LOFAR-BG operations.
The program will target students, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers in physics, engineering, and related fields. Participants will receive hands-on experience with antenna arrays, signal processing systems, and data analysis techniques used in modern radio astronomy.
Researchers involved in the project say this training element is crucial. By engaging young scientists early, Bulgaria hopes to cultivate local expertise and prevent the loss of talent to larger international research centers.
LOFAR’s scientific applications are wide-ranging. The telescope can monitor solar storms and space weather events that may disrupt satellites and communications on Earth. It also studies fast radio bursts, mysterious transient signals that have puzzled astronomers for years.
In addition, the network helps map cosmic magnetic fields and examine the large-scale structure of the universe, providing clues about how galaxies form and evolve over billions of years. These insights contribute to some of astronomy’s most fundamental questions.
Officials believe that joining the network will allow Bulgarian scientists to collaborate more closely with peers across Europe. Shared data, joint experiments, and coordinated observations are expected to raise the country’s profile in international research circles.
The project also aligns with broader European Union efforts to expand scientific infrastructure in Southeast Europe, ensuring that cutting-edge facilities are not limited to traditional research hubs.
As construction progresses, engineers will install arrays of simple-looking antennas that together form a powerful observing system. Though modest in appearance, their combined sensitivity rivals some of the world’s most advanced telescopes.
With completion scheduled for 2026, Bulgaria’s first LOFAR station represents more than a technical milestone. For many scientists, it signals a new era of opportunity, collaboration, and discovery for the nation’s growing astronomy community.