ALMA Special Session: ALMA Status & Plans for Increased Capability

ALMA Panorama

Beginning early science operations a decade ago in 2011, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) will be in the midst of Cycle 8 observations during the January 2022 American Astronomical Society meeting. Over the past ten years, ALMA has provided unprecedented sensitivity, image fidelity, and resolution at  millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, supporting the research interests of more than 8000 PIs and co-Is. From Solar System objects to the earliest galaxies, ALMA observations have produced breathtaking images and opened new discovery space. ALMA data have been published in 2400+ refereed publications. 

This Special Session will describe ALMA news, capabilities, and expectations for ALMA performance and science in the next few years and plans for its upgrade in the 2030 timeframe. In that period, ALMA will complete its frequency coverage of the millimeter window. ALMA's bandwidth will be increased to enhance simultaneous spectral range and continuum sensitivity, even as its line sensitivity is increased via receiver upgrades, an upgraded correlator, and upgrades of the systems connecting them. Higher resolution imaging is being explored, both on the exceptional site and as part of extremely long baseline imaging arrays. 

The session will feature science talks presenting a wide range of recent, exciting ALMA science results and will also highlight the support available to the community from the North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC) at the NRAO.

Speakers

  • Adam Leroy (Ohio State University): The Cold Gas in Nearby Galaxies: Recent Progress and ALMA's Future Prospects
  • Jane Huang (University of Michigan): Unveiling the Birth Sites of Planets: Recent Results and Future Prospects with ALMA
  • Alexandra Pope (University of Massachusetts): Decoding the Cosmic Evolution of Galaxies through their Multiphase Interstellar Medium with ALMA, JWST and the Large Millimeter Telescope

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.