University of Massachusetts, Amherst | 2016 Oct 19
[img3="Large Millimeter Telescope on the summit of Sierra Negra,New discoveries in star formation, galaxy cluster physics, ultra-deep galactic exploration and magnetic field surveys of the universe are coming soon, say a team of astronomers led by Grant Wilson at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who are building the next-generation, most sensitive millimeter-wavelength polarimetric camera on Earth for studying the heavens.
an extinct volcano in Mexico. Credit James Lowenthal"]http://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/sites/d ... enthal.JPG[/img3][hr][/hr]
Wilson and colleagues plan to use the camera to conduct a series of groundbreaking surveys in star formation and galaxy evolution that will be freely available to the public. Dubbed TolTEC, the state-of-the-art imaging system will be a part of the 50-meter (164-foot) diameter Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) on the summit of Sierra Negra, an extinct volcano in Mexico. ...
The new camera is expected to be operational by late 2018. It will offer 100-times-faster mapping speed than the LMT’s current capability and “astonishing sensitivity” to astronomers. Wilson says, “It’s hard to grasp the increased capabilities” of the new instrument. “The combination of the new camera and the LMT requires a new outlook on what types of investigations are possible.” Observations that require today’s telescopes five years to complete will be done in a little more than one week with TolTEC, for example. ...
Astronomers to Explore Mysteries of Star Formation with New Camera
Arizona State University | 2016 Oct 19