2009/04/06 by Jack Welch, D. C. Backer, Don Backer +67 · 4 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena #Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae #Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology #astro-ph.IM
paper · pdf · doi:10.1109/jproc.2009.2017103
published as IEEE Proc. (2009) 97, 1438 · Special Issue of Proceedings of the IEEE: "Advances in Radio Telescopes", Baars,J. Thompson,R., D'Addario, L., eds, 2009, in press
arxiv created 2009/04/06 · openalex publication_date 2009/07/18 · arxiv updated 2012/11/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The first 42 elements of the Allen Telescope Array (ATA-42) are beginning to deliver data at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory in northern California. Scientists and engineers are actively exploiting all of the flexibility designed into this innovative instrument for simultaneously conducting surveys of the astrophysical sky and conducting searches for distant technological civilizations. This paper summarizes the design elements of the ATA, the cost savings made possible by the use of commercial off-the-shelf components, and the cost/performance tradeoffs that eventually enabled this first snapshot radio camera. The fundamental scientific program of this new telescope is varied and exciting; some of the first astronomical results will be discussed.