Special Session: ALMA Status and Plans for Increased Capability

Beginning early science operations over a decade ago in 2011, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is now in the midst of Cycle 9 observations. 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 10,000 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 over 2900 refereed publications.

This AAS 241 Special Session will describe for the membership 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 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 the extremely long baseline imaging arrays.

The session also features a set of science talks presenting a wide range of recent, exciting ALMA results and highlights the support available to the community from the North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC) at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO).

SpeakerInstitutionPresentation
Sean Dougherty Joint ALMA Observatory Preparing ALMA for the Next Decade
Crystal Brogan NRAO The ALMA2030 Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade
Alexandra Pope University of Massachusetts, Amherst Decoding the cosmic evolution of galaxies through their multi-phase interstellar medium with ALMA, JWST, and the Large Millimeter Telescope
Eric Koch Center for Astrophysics 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

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.