Astronomical Studies with the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory

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The California Institute of Technology Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) consists of the first large telescope designed specifically for submillimeter wavelength astronomy. It is the only U.S. supported submillimeter-wave telescope. With excellent sensitivity for both continuum and spectroscopic observations and with angular resolutions between 30 and 8 seconds of arc, innovative projects can be undertaken to provide critical new information in many fields of astronomy, including studies of the Solar System, our Galaxy, and extragalactic phenomena. This grant will support a multifaceted scientific research and technology development program focussed on the 10.4 meter diameter telescope of the CSO. The telescope is sited at an altitude of 4100 meters on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, where the atmosphere is very dry and ideal for observations at wavelengths as short as 320 microns. During the grant period, receivers should become available for observations over the wavelength range of 1 mm to 350 microns. One half of the observing time is available for use by the national astronomy community.