Enabling Milliarcsecond Astrophysics: Open access for the CHARA Array

该项目将利用佐治亚州立大学高角分辨率天文学中心（CHARA）为天文学界提供观测时间，并开放查阅CHARA的档案数据。这项工作的更广泛影响包括对仪器开发的本科生和研究生的培训，包括为乔治亚州立大学本科生提供参与CHARA研究的重点研究机会。该提案还将为威尔逊山上的CHARA展览厅提供升级资金，该展览厅通过展示历史设备和解释当前系统的工作原理，向公众展示干涉测量技术。CHARA在加州威尔逊山上运行一个光学/近红外（OIR）干涉阵列。CHARA阵列有6个1米口径的Y形望远镜，提供15个从33到331米的基线和10个独立的封闭相位三角形。凭借其望远镜的数量和大小、成像能力、基线长度、波长范围和波束合成器覆盖的光谱分辨率，CHARA阵列是一个独特的强大的毫角秒成像设备。该提案定义了将光学干涉测量从一个相当小的试验组移动到更广泛的用户群体的路径。

This program will provide observing time to the astronomical community using the Georgia State University Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA), as well as open access to archival CHARA data. Broader impacts of the work involve training of undergraduate and graduate students in instrumentation development, including a focused research opportunity for Georgia State undergraduates to participate in CHARA research. This proposal will also help fund upgrades to the CHARA Exhibit Hall on Mt. Wilson, which illustrates interferometry to the general public via displays of historical equipment and explanations of how the current system works. CHARA operates an optical/near infrared (OIR) interferometric array on Mount Wilson, CA. The CHARA Array has six 1-m aperture telescopes in a Y configuration providing 15 baselines from 33 to 331 meters and ten independent closure phase triangles. With the number and size of its telescopes, its imaging capabilities, the length of its baselines, the range of wavelength regimes and spectral resolutions covered by its beam combiners, the CHARA Array is a uniquely powerful facility for milliarcsecond imaging. This proposal defines a path to move optical interferometry from a rather small and experimental group to a broader user community.