By Gerald Schieven and Brenda Matthews
ALMA Data Processing/Analysis Workshops for Cycle 11
The North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC) and the Cycle 11 ALMA Ambassadors have organized a series of workshops on the processing and analysis of ALMA data. These workshops will take place in September-November 2024. The goal of these events is to train users on basic data processing and analysis techniques that they may need to use ALMA for scientific discovery. Topics may include:
- Imaging/cleaning of continuum and spectral line observations
- Self-calibration
- Imaging of data from multiple array configurations
- Using the Pipeline Weblog and Re-running the Imaging Pipeline
- Using CARTA for Image Visualization and Analysis
- Science-ready Data Products
- What’s New in CASA (Common Astronomy Software Applications)
- The ALMA Press Release Process
Information on the locations and dates for these workshops is available on the NAASC Community Events webpage (https://science.nrao.edu/
Ambassador Workshop Location Date
Erica Behrens and Mélisse Bonfand-Caldeira University of Virginia 19-20 September 2024
Jeff Jennings CCA/Flatiron Institute 30 September 2024
Jess Speedie University of Victoria 22 October 2024
Olivia Cooper Univ. of Texas, Austin 22 October 2024
Patrick Kamineski Arizona State Univ. 24-25 October 2024
Hamid Hassani University of Alberta 24 October 2024
Joshua Lovell CfA, Harvard & Smithsonian 29 October 2024
Yu-Hsuan (Eltha) Teng University of Maryland 29 October 2024
ALMA Achieves New Milestone: Record-breaking Observing Hours during a Single Cycle at ALMA
As of 6 September, ALMA reached 3,810 hours of successful scientific observations (QA0 pass hours) in Cycle 10, exceeding the previous record of 3,787 hours achieved in Cycle 5. While there are many ways to measure the success of the ALMA observatory, observing as many of the outstanding proposals selected as possible is vital to fulfilling its mission. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and contributions from all departments and regions across ALMA. With Cycle 10 continuing until 30 September, ALMA’s goal of exceeding 4000 hours of QA0 Pass time is well within reach. Hearty congratulations to JAO and the ARCs and to all who contributed to this milestone.
ALMA Primer Instructional Video Series
The ALMA Primer Instructional Video series, which can be found on the Science Portal (https://almascience.org/
- Sidebands, Basebands and Spectral Windows:
- Part 1 – Principles and Components (https://youtu.be/bm6vrEWAlYM?
si=Txctro-IbScnvDei - Part 2 – Practical Examples for Continuum Observing (https://youtu.be/1zWwLrsBwA4?
si=Y3vShzG4Mq4LdeKv) - Part 3 – Practical Examples for Spectral Line Observing (https://youtu.be/18qE2-u0rMY?
si=ipSgv_AP0a4cYO7p)
- Part 1 – Principles and Components (https://youtu.be/bm6vrEWAlYM?
- Band 7 Single Continuum Tuning Options (https://youtu.be/iTjpWwht_2k?
si=QQ_DQszKdA7uwSZC)
Other videos in the series include an Introduction to Radio Interferometry, Calibration, CLEAN, and much more. Subscribe to the ALMA Primer Video Series YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@
We are always looking for ideas for new videos, and especially looking for people who would like to help with script generation, animation, and narration. If you have an idea or would like to join the Primer Video Working Group (at any level of effort), please contact gerald.schieven@nrc-