FAQ EGO-Virgo guided tour
I would like to visit the European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) and the Virgo interferometer. How can I proceed?
EGO and Virgo are only accessible to the public through booking a guided tour. Below is the link to register: https://www.ego-gw.it/registration-for-in-person-guided-tour/#services.
When are guided tours scheduled, and what is the maximum limit of participants?
Guided tours are scheduled for Tuesday and Saturday mornings, with a maximum limit of 100 participants for logistical and access reasons to laboratory areas.
I checked the available dates for the guided tour on the website; however, I cannot find an option that suits my needs. Are there any additional dates available?
No, the only available dates for guided tours are those listed in the reservation system.
I couldn’t book a guided tour during the period I was available to attend in person. What can I do?
If you couldn’t book an in-person visit on the available dates to visit Virgo, or if you are a teacher of a senior high school class and couldn’t find availability during the current academic year, we inform you that it’s possible to visit Virgo remotely via Zoom. You can register for the virtual tour at this link:
How long does the guided tour last?
The total duration of the tour varies between approximately 2 hours and 2 and a half hours, depending on the participants’ interest and the number of questions asked during the experience.
How much does the guided tour cost?
Guided tours of EGO and Virgo are free of charge.
What information is required in the list of participants?
The list should include the first and last names of all participants in the guided tour.
I have a visit booked but did not provide names at the time of registration. How soon do I need to submit the list of participants?
The list of participants must be sent to visit-info@ego-gw.it at least one week before the visit. For schools: bring a printed list with the names and surnames of the participants on the day of the visit.
Are there public transportation options to reach EGO and Virgo?
No public bus service leads to the site. If you cannot travel by car, we suggest taking a train to Pisa and then taking a taxi from there. You can check the train schedules on the Trenitalia website.
How to reach EGO by car or bus?
Information on how to reach EGO can be found here: https://www.ego-gw.it/visit-us/ .
What does the guided tour consist of?
The tour begins with an introductory seminar where basic concepts of gravitational wave physics and the operation of the Virgo interferometer are introduced. Subsequently, the tour of the experimental areas begins, during which the most significant scientific and technological aspects of the Virgo interferometer are illustrated.
The tour stops include: Exhibits located in the Main Hall of the EGO building, Tunnel, Terrace and Central Building, Control Room.
I am a teacher and will accompany my students on a visit to EGO Virgo. What preliminary knowledge might be useful?
No specific preparation is required for the visit. However, it may be helpful for students to be familiar with concepts such as waves and their characteristics (frequency, amplitude, etc.) and understand the phenomenon of interference, as well as the double-slit experiment. Although not mandatory, such preparation could provide additional support during the visit.
I have a pacemaker. Are there any risks associated with the guided tour?
There are areas of EGO Virgo where electromagnetic fields may be present, but even in these areas, the risk for people with pacemakers is extremely remote, and in any case, the tour DOES NOT involve access to these areas. The request to inform if there are people with pacemakers or similar battery-powered devices is intended as an additional check to ensure maximum safety for all participants.
Are guided tours suitable for people in wheelchairs?
Yes, the guided tours are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for people in wheelchairs.