ALMA

ALMA achieves historic record for observation hours

ALMA achieves historic record for observation hours

With the end of Cycle 11, ALMA celebrates its most successful period since the start of operations. The observatory delivered an unprecedented 4,496 hours of science-quality data on the 12-meter Array — exceeding the 4,250 hours achieved in Cycle 10. This marks the second consecutive year in which ALMA has set a new benchmark for observing time, highlighting its...

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Logistics: the cog that keeps ALMA moving

Logistics: the cog that keeps ALMA moving

At ALMA, every observation depends on the precise work of the Logistics Department. Comprised of Claudia Johnson, ALMA Logistics Lead, and her colleague Ana Salinas, ALMA Logistics Assistant, both with more than 15 years at the Observatory, this team ensures the movement, distribution, and supply of the materials that enable science to continue. Their work includes coordinating local and...

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All Hands 2025: Record numbers and an expanding future

All Hands 2025: Record numbers and an expanding future

On Thursday, September 4, 140 colleagues connected to a new All-Hands meeting. The meeting highlighted the record number of hours observed in Cycle 11, the demand for Cycle 12, and the progress of the ALMA Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU), which will quadruple ALMA’s sensitivity. The session was led by Director Sean Dougherty and featured presentations by Iván López, Health,...

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Astronomy and territory: the role of Community Relations at ALMA

Astronomy and territory: the role of Community Relations at ALMA

At ALMA, working with neighboring communities is a key part of our presence in Chile. Beyond science and observing the universe, there is a real and ongoing commitment to local development, particularly in the Antofagasta Region, where our closest communities — San Pedro de Atacama and Toconao — are located. For over a decade, we have been working on...

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ALMA moves forward with its scientific upgrade: progress on the WSU project

ALMA moves forward with its scientific upgrade: progress on the WSU project

The Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU) program is one of ALMA's strategic pillars for the 2030s and will mark a turning point in its contribution to global science. This initiative will transform the way we observe the universe by increasing the bandwidth and sensitivity of the observing system. This will allow more and fainter data to be collected in less...

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