AMT

Infrastructure and User Services  

i) Equipment/Facilities/Data/Collections: The AMT project features a state-of-the-art millimetre-wavelength astronomical observatory located in Namibia. The telescope consists of a robotically operated 14-meter dish optimized for frequencies ranging from 8 GHz to 345 GHz. It utilizes ALMA band-type receivers with a dedicated front-end design, allowing simultaneous observation in up to four ALMA bands. The observatory integrates into Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) networks, including the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and future lower frequency VLBI observations on the African continent. The AMT provides wide frequency coverage and high-resolution imaging capabilities for studying cosmic phenomena such as black holes and active galactic nuclei. 

ii) Services to Users: The AMT offers diverse scientific research opportunities, functioning both as part of VLBI networks and as a standalone Namibian telescope. It supports rapid-response observations of transient phenomena and contributes to initiatives like the "colour movies" under the ERC BlackHolistic grant. The telescope is remotely operable, ensuring cost-efficient operations. Additionally, the AMT project promotes capacity building and educational exchange through fellowship programs for Bachelor, Master, and PhD students, as well as an award-winning mobile planetarium program for schools. The governance structure includes collaboration with local and international partners, ensuring comprehensive support and representation in decision-making. 

Examples/description of the type of research  

The Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) research infrastructure will facilitate a wide range of cutting-edge astronomical research. The AMT will enhance the global Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) network, which captured the first image of a black hole, and contribute to high-resolution imaging of cosmic phenomena such as black holes, active galactic nuclei, and other dynamic astrophysical events. The telescope's rapid-response capabilities will support observations of transient phenomena, enabling the study of short-lived astrophysical events. 

Research facilitated by the AMT includes: 

1. Black Hole Imaging: High-resolution imaging of black holes and their immediate environments, contributing to our understanding of their properties and behaviors. 
2. Active Galactic Nuclei: Detailed observations of active galactic nuclei, providing insights into the mechanisms driving their activity. 
3. Transient Phenomena: Rapid-response observations of transient events such as gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other short-lived cosmic occurrences. 
4. VLBI Networks: Integration into Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) networks for collaborative research with other global observatories. 
5. Standalone Research: Functioning as a standalone Namibian telescope, enabling diverse scientific investigations across various astronomical fields. 

The AMT also supports educational and capacity-building initiatives, including fellowship programs for students and an award-winning mobile planetarium program for schools, fostering the next generation of astronomers and scientists. 

How to access the infrastructure ? 

The Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) offers access through several mechanisms: 

ERC Key Science (52%): Includes EHT (13%), AGN Monitoring (15%), Transients (8%), and VLBI (16%). 

Special Users (25%): Comprising Director's Discretionary Time (5%), Namibia (10%), and R&D time (10%). 

Open Time (23%): Available for broader scientific community access.