Ground-breaking 2014 HL Tau observational data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has been cited in more than 1,000 scientific studies in the past 7.5 years, aiding in major breakthroughs in scientists’ understanding of planet formation. The milestone comes as engineers at the U.S. National Science Foundation’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) embark on ambitious upgrades to the receivers responsible for the clarity of initial observations.
Scientists on the Hunt for Planetary Formation Fossils Reveal Unexpected Eccentricities in Nearby Debris Disk
Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), astronomers have imaged the debris disk of the nearby star HD 53143 at millimeter wavelengths for the first time, and it looks nothing like they expected. Based on early coronagraphic data, scientists expected ALMA to confirm the debris disk as a face-on ring peppered with clumps of dust. Instead, the observations took a surprise turn, revealing the most complicated and eccentric debris disk observed to date.
Future of Earth’s Defense is Ground-Based Planetary Radar
The Planetary Science Decadal Survey indicated that new ground-based radar systems will be vital research tools for planetary defense and studying planets, moons, asteroids, and other Solar System objects. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Green Bank Observatory are developing new capabilities for the Green Bank Telescope and the Very Long Baseline Array that will meet those needs.
NRAO Researcher Receives Prestigious Engineering Award
An NRAO researcher is receiving an engineering award for an innovative development that is improving radio telescope performance and also is benefitting numerous other fields.
2021 Science Highlights: Looking Back on a Turbulent Year in Radio Astronomy
The formation of massive stars and planets. The deaths of stars and galaxies. The extreme and violent behaviors of black hole jets and quasars. An up-close and personal radar view of the Moon. These mysteries and more were unraveled in 2021 by radio astronomers leveraging the scientific and technological power of National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) facilities.
The Baseline #10 – How To Kick A Pulsar Out Of The Galaxy
Pulsars are neutron stars. They are formed when an old star explodes as a supernova, so you would expect to find them in the center of its supernova remnant. But not always. Astronomers have learned that some pulsars are ejected from its remnant. The Very Large Array has discovered one pulsar that is quite a kick.
Join our host Summer Ash of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory as she talks about how you can get a kick out of pulsars.