Mauna Kea Observatory: the Submillimeter Array (SMA)
The Submillimeter Array (SMA) detects millimeter and submillimeter radiation, mainly generated by cold interstellar material (gas, dust and small rock-like bodies). The SMA is located at the foot of Pu'u Poli'ahu at 4080 m above sea level (13,386 feet) at the summit of Mauna Kea. The SMA, the world's first imaging interferometric telescope at the submillimeter wavelengths, consists of 8 movable antennas that can be positioned along the sides of a Releaux triangle to provide optimal imaging quality. Each antenna is composed of a smooth parabolic reflector 6 meters (19 and 2/3 feet) in diameter. The signals from the antennas are amplified and combined electronically to give the resolution equivalent to an antenna of km ( miles) across.
Size: 5023px × 3349px
Location: Mauna Kea, Big Island, Hawaii
Photo credit: © Lighttrace Studio / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: america, array, astronomy, big, hawaii, island, kea, mauna, sma, states, submillimeter, united
