By Erik Rosolowsky (U Alberta), Joan Wrobel (NRAO)
(Cassiopeia Winter 2023)
A portion of the 18m prototype ngVLA antenna, next to the mtex antenna technology facility in Saxony, Germany. Credit: mtex
Looking Back and Looking Forward
In 2023, the ngVLA project reached many important milestones. Community successes included domestic and international science conferences. An industry highlight was the unveiling of portions of the 18m prototype antenna by Germany’s mtex antenna technology. At the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the ngVLA project entered into the design process for Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction. The NSF’s National Science Board was also briefed on the ngVLA.
The year 2024 promises to be as productive for the ngVLA project. Focus areas will include preparing for the prototype antenna’s arrival on the Plains of San Agustin, continuing system design work, supporting science conferences, and engaging international and interagency communities to solidify partnerships.
A Coherent View of Atomic and Molecular Gas from Infrared to Radio Wavelengths
An IAU General Assembly Focus Meeting (FM2) will take place August 6-7, 2024 at Cape Town, South Africa. It will explore how the work taking place at existing facilities is shaping our understanding of the interstellar medium structure and feedback in our own Milky Way and external galaxies, and how this work is re-framing the science that will be addressed by the remarkable capabilities of future radio observatories. This will be a forward-looking meeting: speakers will articulate the impact of the newly gained knowledge from JWST, ALMA, MeerKAT, and ASKAP data on the science that SKA and ngVLA will address. Register through the GA website.