Arizona Radio Observatory 12-meter Telescope
The Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona operates the Arizona Radio Observatory: the 12-meter telescope (seen left), which is an ALMA prototype antenna located 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Tucson on Kitt Peak, and the Submillimeter Telescope (SMT) located on Mt. Graham in South-Eastern Arizona.
The 12-meter telescope was previously the European ALMA prototype antenna from the European Southern Observatory and was transported from Arizona to Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona in 2013. This telescope is the only millimeter-wavelength telescope in the U.S. operated full-time as a national facility.
For scientists: More details can be found on the science page.
Arizona Radio Observatory 12-meter Telescope
| Name(s) |
Arizona Radio Observatory 12-meter Telescope |
| Status |
Operational |
| Broad Science Goals |
The telescope’s scientific program has evolved from one dominated by observing programs in astrochemistry to one with a broader mix of studies of molecular clouds and Galactic star formation, evolved stars, astrochemistry, and external galaxies. |
| Site |
Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arizona, USA |
| Location Coordinates |
111º 36’ 53.475’S
31º 57’ 11.99’E |
| Altitude |
1914 meters (6280 feet) |
| Enclosure |
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| Type |
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| Optical Design |
Cassegrain |
| Field of View |
5 arcseconds |
| Diameter: Primary M1 |
12 meters |
| Material: Primary M1 |
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| Diameter: Secondary M2 |
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| Material: Secondary M2 |
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| Mount |
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| First Light Date |
2014 |
| Adaptive Optics |
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| Images taken with the Arizona Radio Observatory 12-meter Telescope |
Link |
| Images of the Arizona Radio Observatory 12-meter Telescope |
Link |
| Videos of the Arizona Radio Observatory 12-meter Telescope |
Link |
Press Releases with the Arizona Radio Observatory 12-meter Telescope
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Link |
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Please help us to complete this page by emailing information and corrections to info@noirlab.edu.