Astronomical Resarch with the Owens Valley Millmeter Array

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract AST 99-81546. California Institute of Technology. PI: A.I Sargent Astronomical Research with the Owens Valley Millimeter Array This award supports research, technological development, and student education at the Owens Valley Millimeter Array. The Array consists of a six 10.4-meter-diameter antennas located near Bishop, California. The mission of the Owens Valley Millimeter Array of the is to carry out spectroscopic and continuum observations of astronomical objects in the frequency range 30-245 GHz. The observatory was constructed with funds from the NSF and from private sources. The Owens Valley Millimeter Array is presently one of two US facilities engaged in interferometric observations in the millimeter wavelength band (the other being the BIMA array, also funded by NSF). Over the next three years, the Owens Valley Millimeter Array plans to carry out the following scientific programs: (i) Searches for CO and continuum emission from high redshift galaxies. (ii) Sub-arcsecond resolution mapping of dense gas in galactic nuclei. (iii) Molecular line and continuum mosaics of cluster-forming molecular cloud cores. (iv) Multi-line surveys of T Tauri and Herbig Ae stars on 0.4" scales. (v) A survey of protoplanetary disks observed in the near infrared with HST. Planned technological developments include: (i) Implementation of dual polarization receivers. (ii) Completing the integration of the new COBRA broadband correlator. (iii) Installing new water vapor monitors with cooled frontends.