Radio Astronomy: ALMA Antennas in The Atacama Desert of Northern Chile
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is a powerful astronomical observatory located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, consisting of 66 high-precision antennas at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) that study the universe in millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. ALMA antennas can be seen here on the Chajnantor Plateau (including after a snowstorm) during the Andean winter of 2026.
Radio telescopes look toward the heavens to view planets, comets, giant clouds of gas and dust, stars, and galaxies. By studying the radio waves originating from these sources, astronomers can learn about their composition, structure, and motion. Radio astronomy has the advantage that sunlight, clouds, and rain do not affect observations.
ALMA is an astronomical interferometer designed to observe electromagnetic radiation at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. It is composed of 66 radio telescopes situated on the Chajnantor Plateau at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), making it one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world. This location was chosen for its high elevation and low humidity, which are crucial for reducing atmospheric noise and improving signal quality.
ALMA's primary goal is to study the cold, dark regions of the universe that are invisible to optical telescopes. It provides insights into various astronomical phenomena, including:
Star and Planet Formation: ALMA can penetrate dust clouds to reveal the processes involved in the birth of stars and planetary systems.
Galaxy Evolution: The array allows astronomers to observe distant galaxies and understand their formation and development over cosmic time.
Chemical Composition: ALMA helps in studying the complex molecules present in interstellar gas and dust, providing clues about the chemistry of the universe.
ALMA has been instrumental in significant astronomical discoveries, such as pinpointing the moment when planets began to form around stars beyond our solar system. It has also contributed to understanding the early universe by observing the first stars and galaxies that emerged after the cosmic "dark ages".
ALMA is an international partnership that includes the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the U.S. National Science Foundation, along with institutions from Japan, Canada, South Korea, and Chile. With its advanced technology and favorable observing location, ALMA continues to be a leading facility in radio astronomy, providing valuable data that expands our understanding of the cosmos.
https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/
Dates: Feb. 3-26, 2026
#NASA #Astronomy #RadioAstronomy #Science #Space #Nebulae #Stars #Planets #Asteroids #Comets #Galaxies #MilkyWayGalaxy #Cosmos #Universe #ALMA #ChajnantorPlateau #AtacamaDesert #Chile #ESO #Europe #UnitedStates #STEM #Education
No comments:
Post a Comment