Astronomy Research at the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory

University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA

Investigators

Abstract

AST-0540852 Schloerb, F. Peter University of Massachusetts Amherst Astronomy Research at the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory The Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory at the University of Massachusetts consists of a group of scientists and engineers who work together in support of a research program in millimeter-wave astronomy. The FCRAO program emphasizes three principal areas: (1) astronomical research; (2) development of state-of-the-art instrumentation; and (3) training of graduate and undergraduate students in observational astronomy and astronomical instrumentation. The program has been known for its operation of a 14m diameter millimeter-wave telescope in Massachusetts. However, in order to remain at the forefront of research, the Observatory is participating with the Mexican Instituto Nacional de Astrofisica, Optica, y Electronica (INAOE) in the construction, in Mexico, of a 50m diameter Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT). The principal work to be carried out under this award is to make the transition to the new facility, including development and testing of new instrumentation to take advantage of the short 1mm-wavelength operating wavelength of the LMT.