More Interstellar Objects – Strange, Icy Visitors From Other Planets – Are Coming
Gregory Laughlin and Malena Rice weren’t exactly surprised a few weeks ago when they learned that a second interstellar object had made its way into…
Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array News
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is one of the largest and most advanced astronomical observatories in the world, specifically designed for studying light from some of the coldest objects in the universe. Situated on the Chajnantor plateau in the Chilean Andes at an altitude of over 5,000 meters, ALMA provides exceptionally clear and dry conditions ideal for observing the universe at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. This international partnership involves North America, Europe, East Asia, and the host country, Chile.
ALMA consists of 66 high-precision antennas, which work together as a single telescope through a technique called interferometry. This setup allows scientists to explore the formation and chemical composition of stars and planetary systems, investigate interstellar clouds and the complex organic molecules within them, and provide insights into the physics of black holes and distant galaxies. The array’s capabilities are pivotal in advancing our understanding of the cosmos, particularly in the study of phenomena that are not visible in optical light.
ALMA Views Galaxy-Scale Fountain in Full Glory
A billion light-years from Earth lies one of the universe’s most massive structures, a giant elliptical galaxy surrounded by a sprawling cluster of other galaxies…
ALMA Reveals Rotating Dense Molecular Torus Around an Active Supermassive Black Hole
High-resolution observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) imaged a rotating dusty gas torus around an active supermassive black hole. The existence of such…
ALMA Reveals Diverse Nuclear Star-Forming Activities in NGC 253
Astronomers found a rich molecular reservoir in the heart of an active star-forming galaxy with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Among eight clouds identified…
3D Model Lets Astronomers Explore Supernova 1987a Like Never Before
By using data from telescopes, astronomers — and the public — can explore SN 1987A like never before. Three decades ago, astronomers spotted one of…
New ALMA Images Reveal Otherwise Invisible Details of Our Sun
New images taken with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array have revealed otherwise invisible details of our Sun, including a new view of the dark, contorted…
ALMA Reveals Methanol in the TW Hydrae Protoplanetary Disk
Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA), astronomers have discovered the organic molecule methyl alcohol (methanol) in the protoplanetary disk around the star TW Hydrae….
Astronomers Find Evidence of Planet Formation Far from the Central Star in a Protoplanetary Disk
Using ALMA, astronomers observed a young star named HD142527 and discovered the first firm evidence of planet formation far from the central star in a…
ALMA Discovers the Youngest Protoplanetary Disk to Date
Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, astronomers have discovered the youngest disk around a protostar to date. Planets form in disks around their host…
ALMA Observations Show Unique Chemical Composition Surrounding Supermassive Black Hole
Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, a team of scientists captured a detailed image of high-density molecular gas around an active supermassive black hole at…
ALMA Observatory Receives Final Antenna
The ALMA Observatory has received the final antenna for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array project. The final antenna for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA)…
ALMA Discovers a Protostar Surrounded by a Large Hot Gas Cloud
An international team of astronomers has observed an infrared dark cloud surrounding a baby star that is about ten times larger than those found around…
ALMA Will Allow Scientists to See the Universe Like Never Before
The largest ground-based radio telescope in the world, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), can detect hidden gases inside galaxies that might hold the key…
Using ALMA and VLA to Unveil Astronomical Mysteries
Researchers are hoping to further unlock the mysteries of planet and star formation and study many more young stars and solar systems by using the…