Subterra: submilimeter array

Gutierrez Vertical Studio - Spring 2007

Subterra: submilimeter array

Gutierrez Vertical Studio - Spring 2007

Gutierrez Vertical Studio students

Observatories

Deserts

Energy

Measuring devices

Visualization

Infrared radiation

Astronomical instruments

Spring 2007

Studying spectral energy distributions between submillimeter and far-infrared wavelengths has been a central astronomic aspiration for the development of understanding cool universe matter. Relic radiation of the Big Bang -cool matter- primarily consists of molecular gas and dust that constitute the stars, planetary systems, and galaxies. This unique type of matter has a thermal range registered only at submillimiter wavelengths. To understand cool matter a complex instrumentation system is required that can only operate at high levels of atmospheric transparency for microwave light to be seen enabling SUBMILLIMETER ASTRONOMY. Atacama Desert due to its distinctive atmospheric transparency makes possible the application of submillimeter (optical and radio)“visualization” techniques. Recent technological advances have facilitated the installation in the Atacama desert by 2011 an unprecedented astronomic observatory regarding scale and technology: ALMA-The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array.

School of Architecture. (Troy, NY: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 2007)

Bernat, Elizabeth

Amendolara, Adriana

Images

Digital

Jpeg2000

Atacama, Chile

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.