Astronomical Studies with the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory

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AST-9313929. California Institute of Technology. PI: T. G. Phillips Astronomical Studies with the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory This award supports research, technological development and student education at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO). The Observatory consists of a precision 10.4m antenna enclosed in a dome located near the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The CSO's mission is to carry out spectroscopic and continuum observations of astronomical objects in the wavelength range 1mm-350 m; the opacity of the Earth's atmosphere to radiation at these wavelengths is the reason for the observatory's location at an altitude of nearly 4,300m. The observatory was constructed with funds from the National Science Foundation (NSF) during the period 1984-1987. As of this writing, it is presently the only US facility capable of operations throughout the submillimeter atmospheric window. Over the next three years, the CSO will continue to study the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium in the Milky Way and other galaxies. This research will be carried out primarily through spectral line surveys, searches for new hydride molecules and by observing major interstellar cloud cooling lines, notably those of atomic carbon. Planned technical developments include the installation of a chopping secondary reflector, new feed legs and new Cassegrain optics which will allow the introduction of bolometer and SiS focal plane array receivers. ***