📡 The Best Cycle Start in ALMA history!
Cycle 11 is officially our best cycle start ever! As of early April, we had logged 2,524 science hours, putting us 428 hours ahead of the schedule set out for the cycle. November and December 2024 each had over 500 hours of successful observations — the highest monthly totals in ALMA’s history. “We are making the best use of excellent weather forecasting in our weekly planning, which has enabled us to maximize our science observation time while keeping up with telescope maintenance and testing. It has been a fantastic effort by everyone to make this happen”, says Sean Dougherty.
🔬 ALMA Science Keeps Shinning
ALMA now boasts 4,279 refereed publications, and that number is only going up. More and more of those papers are using archive data, too—a great sign that our observations give back to the community long after they’re made.
🚀 WSU Gets the Green Light
The Board gave full support to continue progressing with the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU). This is a big step toward ALMA’s future. Two major reviews are now in the works:
- System/Program Plan Review – July 2025 (Charlottesville)
- Cost Review – September 2025 (Garching)
Credits: S. Otárola ALMA – (ESO / NAOJ / NRAO)
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