Owens Valley Radio Observatory

An out-of-this-world spot that receives radio waves from out-of-this-world.

Is “Vintage Futuristic” a Thing? We Think So.

Think Buck Rogers or Lost in Space—that retro-futuristic vibe where science and style collide. That’s exactly the feeling you get at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO).

Located in Big Pine, California, OVRO is one of the largest university-operated radio observatories in the world. Established in 1958 and still in operation today, the site features an array of massive radio telescopes used to study cosmic phenomena like black holes, quasars, and the cosmic microwave background.

These large, photogenic structures are eye-catching, especially when set against the rugged Sierra Nevada and White Mountains.

OVRO is an incredible place to photograph any time of day, but the real magic happens at night.

It’s one of our favorite spots for Milky Way photography. Thanks to its remote location and dark skies with minimal light pollution, the galactic core is clearly visible above the observatory’s iconic antennas.

Even under a full moon, OVRO delivers. The moonlight casts long, eerie shadows across the desert landscape, creating otherworldly images that feel straight out of science fiction.

Simply put, OVRO is a fun place to visit for photographers with a love for the unusual.

Visit the website

Photo Tips

Bring a tripod, wide angle and telephoto lenses.