Submillimeter Array (SMA) Newsletter August 2012

Submillimeter Array (SMA) Newsletter August 2012
Blundell, Raymond

Submillimeter Array Newsletter   |   Number 14   |   August 2012

CONTENTS
1      From the Director

SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

2      Chemical Segregation Toward Massive Hot Cores: The AFGL2591 Star-Forming Region

5      Mapping Linearly Polarized Thermal Molecular Line Emission in Evolved Stars

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS:

8      SMA Plays Key Role in the Highest-Resolution Astronomical Interferometric Observation Ever Made

10    New Observing Mode for the 2012B Semester

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear SMA Newsletter readers,

The scientific output and technical capability of the SMA continue on an upward path. The first half of 2012 saw fifty published papers on SMA research. Highlighting the relevance and interest in SMA science, the cover story of the August 2012 issue of Sky and Telescope, "Pictures of a Baby Solar System" showcases several years of SMA research on proto-planetary disks led by SAO staff Astrophysicist Sean Andrews. Recent observations demonstrate new technical capabilities. The SMA joined forces with the Submillimeter Telescope Observatory in Arizona and the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment in Chile to make the highest resolution astronomical observations to date with Very Long Baseline Interferometry (http://phys.org/news/2012-07-apex-telescope-sharpest.html). These observations are a milestone toward the challenging goal of imaging the shadow of a black hole. Work continues to further increase the sensitivity and flexibility of observing modes by increasing the bandwidth by another factor of two following a similar increase obtained over the last two years. Much of the necessary hardware for the 1.3 mm waveband is in place (see article, page 10 ). In addition to wider bandwidth, the new receivers also have 20% lower noise and increased flexibility in tuning allowing simultaneous observation of spectral lines separated by up to 24 GHz, twice the previous 12 GHz maximum. Work on doubling the correlator capacity to process the increased data flow continues. We expect to make on-sky tests with our new correlator hardware by the end of 2012. With our new capabilities, we look forward to an even more productive and scientifically exciting second half of the year.

Ray Blundell