The Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory at the University of Massachusetts is a group of scientists and engineers who work together in support of a research program in millimeter-wave astronomy. The FCRAO program emphasizes three principal areas: (1) astronomical research; (2) development of state-of-the-art instrumentation; and (3) training of graduate and undergraduate students in observational astronomy and astronomical instrumentation. The program is currently known for its operation of a 14m diameter millimeter-wave telescope in Massachusetts. However, in order to remain at the forefront of research, the Observatory is participating with the Mexican Instituto Nacional de Astrofisica, Optica, y Electronica (INAOE) in the construction, in Mexico, of a 50m diameter Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT), to be completed in 2005. The principal work to be carried out under this award is to make the transition to the new facility, including development and testing of new instrumentation to take advantage of the short 1mm-wavelength operating wavelength of the LMT, and support for telescope commissioning tasks. In addition, scientific research will continue to be supported at the 14m telescope until LMT operations commence.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST)
Application #
0228993
Program Officer
Richard E. Barvainis
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2003-09-01
Budget End
2007-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$6,499,998
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Amherst
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01003