THE KOSMA 3-M SUBMILLIMETER-WAVE TELESCOPE ON GORNERGRAT

The 3 m KOSMA telescope at Gornergrat is dedicated to millimeter and s ubmillimeter wave astrophysics with observations mainly of interstella r atomic and molecular lines. This includes measurement of the large s cale structure and dynamics of molecular clouds in our galaxy for abet ter understanding of the processes connected with star formation. The present research activity of the observatory is presented with a speci al scope on the description of the techniques and instrumentation used . A new 3 m reflector for the KOSMA telescope with an expected surface accuracy of 10 mu m is under construction. With this new instrument a nd the excellent quality of the atmosphere at the site operation into the THz region (lambda=200 mu m) will be possible.