Searching for images in Virginia

Jul 12, 2023 | News | 1 comment

Tags: ALMA

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Data is the foundation of our work at ALMA. It’s what we look for in the sky and what we do best with scientists from around the world. That information is key to generating images that we can share with the public.

That’s why in June we took our collaborators almost 8,000 kilometers away, to perfect their skills at the 19th Synthesis Imaging Workshop, organized by NRAO in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States.

“The workshop itself was quite enlightening. A very good opportunity to acquire a broader view of how our observatory works. In addition, it was very gratifying to take the opportunity to meet again with former ALMA colleagues who now work at NRAO”, says Ludwig Von Dossow, who along Patricio Álvarez were our representatives from the Array Operator Group (AOG).

Annually NRAO organizes this summer school, with the purpose of teaching how to synthesize images using radio telescopes. Thus, from June 13 to 21, participants attended lectures to learn the basics of radio astronomy, where they discussed antenna theory, interferometry, correlators, among others. In addition, there were two days of practical workshops where real data obtained with ALMA were used to generate images using CASA software.
“The overall experience was great. I had the opportunity to meet several colleagues from the North American ARC and also people from different disciplines and places in the world, who traveled to learn about radio astronomy”, says Priscilla Nowajewski, who along with Cristián López and Jorge Morgado, were our Data Analyst from Program Management Group who also attended the workshop.

It was Priscilla’s first time traveling for ALMA and she made the most of the experience: “It was one of those opportunities where you can get to know the culture of the southern USA and its wonderful tropical climate, which surprised us with several thunderstorms during the week!,” says.

“The Green Bank”
Usually, the course was held in Socorro, New Mexico, U.S.A., and included a visit to the VLA as part of the activities. However, since this year it was held in Charlottesville, a visit was made to the Green Bank Observatory, in West Virginia.
Located among the mountains, our collaborators were able to watch birds and other animals pass near the 100-meter diameter antenna. “The structure of the GBT is impressive, since it moves through a system similar to the rails of a train that allows the base to move according to what is needed,” says Priscilla.

This structure operates in frequencies that are affected by the use of electronic elements, such as cell phones. For this reason, those who saw it up close say that to take pictures they had to use analog cameras with film.

But they were not only grateful for the approach to this technology. “It was very nice to be able to share experiences with a Green Bank Telescope operator, and to discover so many similarities between our work: how we relate to other colleagues; the way we adapt our lifestyles to scientific operations, among other aspects”, concludes Ludwig.
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1 Comment

  1. Carla Crovari
    Carla Crovari on July 12, 2023 at 10:20 pm

    Thanks for sharing your experience, and the photos! really inspiring.

    Reply

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