The Allen Telescope Array: The First Widefield, Panchromatic, Snapshot Radio Camera for Radio Astronomy and SETI

TL;DR

The ATA-42 is a pioneering widefield, panchromatic radio camera that enables simultaneous astrophysical surveys and SETI searches, demonstrating innovative design and cost-effective construction.

Contribution

This paper introduces the first snapshot radio camera with widefield and panchromatic capabilities, highlighting its design, cost savings, and initial scientific results.

Findings

Successful deployment of ATA-42 at Hat Creek Observatory

Demonstration of simultaneous astrophysical and SETI observations

Initial astronomical results showing the instrument's capabilities

Abstract

The first 42 elements of the Allen Telescope Array (ATA-42) are beginning to deliver data at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory in Northern California. Scientists and engineers are actively exploiting all of the flexibility designed into this innovative instrument for simultaneously conducting surveys of the astrophysical sky and conducting searches for distant technological civilizations. This paper summarizes the design elements of the ATA, the cost savings made possible by the use of COTS components, and the cost/performance trades that eventually enabled this first snapshot radio camera. The fundamental scientific program of this new telescope is varied and exciting; some of the first astronomical results will be discussed.