News

The NOEMA observatory and its 11-antenna array scanning the sky. Credits: IRAM

As of September 2020, antenna 11 has joined the NOEMA observatory for scientific observations following a very successful and efficient commissioning. Despite the tight antenna maintenance schedule this year and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, observations with the entire eleven antenna array were made possible for a couple of days early September to allow for a sneak preview of NOEMA's close-to-completed capabilities.

NOEMA is currently operated with 10 antennas, to allow the yearly maintenance of the antennas to be completed. Given the good performance of the new NOEMA antenna, all eleven antennas will then join forces for scientific observations for the upcoming winter semester, offering a substantial improvement in sensitivity and observing speed. Antenna 12 and the baseline extension, the last two components for a full NOEMA, are expected to be finished by 2021.

Close-up on antenna 11. Credits: IRAM