[mmaimcal] SMA as the ACA

[Harvey Liszt]

This week's Science magazine discusses the SMA's long-kept-under-wraps
funding problems as part of a larger discussion of unhappiness at both
CFA and the Smithsonian at large. Originally (1984) a $25,000,000 
project to be done in 6 years.  Present cost estimate, $70,000,000.

regards, Harvey
-------------

Al Wootten wrote:
> 
> Well, it happened.
> 
> It has been proposed that when ALMA reaches completion ~2010, the SMA might
> be moved to Chajnantor to serve as the ACA (which would, in this case,
> not be built).
> 
> We could enumerate the problems this would entail from different optics
> concepts (SMA operates two bands simultaneously) and on.  But we should
> anticipate discussions about this.  Political problems are for others to
> decide.  Operational problems we could list.  But scientific problems
> should be our priority--if any ACA will improve ALMA's capabilities
> can the SMA fill the bill.
> 
> Some Specs, from Mark Gurwell:
> 8 x 6m antennas             partners: Smithsonian plus Taiwan
> surface 13 microns measured on one at least, and apparently stable
> pointing 1" but not quite there yet
> secondary 350mm;            feed legs not off edge of antenna
> may not be easy to accommodate freqs below 2mm.
> 
> The money providers will see this as a free ACA and there will be tremendous
> pressure to use it for that.  We need to determine if it is what ALMA
> needs and to bolster that case scientifically.
> 
> I feel that since the subject has been broached we should include this in
> the range of ACA options that the tiger team will simulate.  I asked
> Gurwell to consider talking about this at the ASAC meeting in Santiago,
> should Ewine-Geoff-Yasuo feel it is appropriate.
> 
> Comments??
> 
> Clear skies,
> Al

-- 
Harvey Liszt                             phone:434.296.0344 fax 0278
Scientist                                 home:434.973.3744 fax same
National Radio Astronomy Observatory    mailto:hliszt at nrao.edu
520 Edgemont Road                         http:www.cv.nrao.edu/~hliszt
Charlottesville, VA 22903-2475