Astronomy: ALMA

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ALMA The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is an astronomical interferometer of 66 radio telescopes in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, which observe electromagnetic radiation at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. The array has been constructed on the 5,000 m (16,000 ft) elevation Chajnantor plateau – near the Llano de Chajnantor Observatory and the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment.

Commentary

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

ALMA The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is an astronomical interferometer of 66 radio telescop es in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, which observe electromagnetic radiation at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. The array has been constructed on the 5,000 m (16,000 ft) elevation Chajnantor plateau – near the Llano de Chajnantor Observatory and the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment. This location was chosen for its high elevation and low humidity, factors which are crucial to reduce noise and decrease signal attenuation due to Earth's atmosphere.

Commentary

Source: Internal

Why ALMA matters: Every mission and telescope pushes the boundary of what humanity can observe and understand. These instruments are our ey es and hands reaching into the cosmos. ALMA provides insight on star birth during the early Stelliferous era and detailed imaging of local star and planet formation. ALMA is an international partnership amongst Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Chile. Costing about US$1.4 billion, it is the most expensive ground-based telescope in operation. ALMA began scientific observations in the second half of 2011, and the first images were released to the press on 3 October 2011. The array has been fully operational since March 2013.

Commentary

Source: Internal

Deep dive: ALMA ALMA is an international partnership amongst Europe, the United States, Canada, Jap an, South Korea, Taiwan, and Chile. Costing about US$1.4 billion, it is the most expensive ground-based telescope in operation. ALMA began scientific observations in the second half of 2011, and the first images were released to the press on 3 October 2011. The array has been fully operational since March 2013. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atacama_Large_Millimeter_Array (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)