Large Radio Telescopes for Anomalous Microwave Emission Observations

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of large radio telescopes to improve observations of Anomalous Microwave Emission (AME), emphasizing high angular resolution, optimal frequency selection, and comparing the capabilities of the world's largest radio telescopes.

Contribution

It introduces a merit function for optimizing AME observations considering signal-to-noise ratio, frequency dependence, and telescope capabilities, guiding future observational strategies.

Findings

High angular resolution enhances understanding of AME mechanisms.

Optimal frequency selection improves signal detection and analysis.

Comparison of large radio telescopes informs observational planning.

Abstract

We discuss in this paper the problem of the Anomalous Microwave Emission (AME) in the light of ongoing or future observations to be performed with the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world. High angular resolution observations of the AME will enable astronomers to drastically improve the knowledge of the AME mechanisms as well as the interplay between the different constituents of the interstellar medium in our galaxy. Extragalactic observations of the AME have started as well, and high resolution is even more important in this kind of observations. When cross-correlating with IR-dust emission, high angular resolution is also of fundamental importance in order to obtain unbiased results. The choice of the observational frequency is also of key importance in continuum observation. We calculate a merit function that accounts for the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in AME observation given the current state-of-the-art knowledge and technology. We also include in our merit functions the frequency dependence in the case of multifrequency observations. We briefly mention and compare the performance of four of the largest radiotelescopes in the world and hope the observational programs in each of them will be as intense as possible.