Don Campbell (National Astronomy and lonosphere Center, Cornell University)

Arecibo Observatory: Current programs, recent results and future plans - Don Campbell Colloquium

ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

The National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center's Arecibo Observatory conducts very diverse programs in astronomy, solar system studies and atmospheric science. The astronomy programs are centered on large surveys utilizing the ATNF constructed 7-horn Arecibo L-Band Feed Array (ALFA) although many smaller single-pixel programs are also supported. The primary surveys are HI in external galaxies, the mapping of HI in our Galaxy, spectro-polarimetric continuum mapping of the Arecibo sky, and pulsar and transient searches. Several other surveys are carried out commensally with the primary surveys. Current instrumentation projects include a wideband pulsar timing system, a 12-m VLBI phase reference antenna and feasibility studies for a 40-beam L-band phased array feed system as a successor to the ALFA system.