Astronomy Research at the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory

University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA

Investigators

Abstract

The Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory at the University of Massachusetts consists of a group of scientists and engineers working 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 FCRAO 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 LMT, when completed, will be the largest telescope of its kind in the world. This award will support key personnel and students working toward completion and commissioning of the LMT over the next three years, including development and testing of new instrumentation to take advantage of the short 1mm-wavelength operating wavelength of the LMT.