The Haystack Telescope as an Astronomical Instrument

TL;DR

The Haystack Telescope is a versatile 37-meter antenna capable of millimeter-wave observations, serving both space situational awareness and astronomical research, with ongoing upgrades to enhance its role in the Event Horizon Telescope array.

Contribution

This paper details the technical specifications and current testing status of the Haystack Telescope, highlighting its potential to improve astronomical imaging when integrated into the EHT array.

Findings

Ready for inclusion in the EHT array

Enhanced image quality expected with geographic addition

Dual-use as radar sensor and research instrument

Abstract

The Haystack Telescope is an antenna with a diameter of 37~m and an elevation-dependent surface accuracy of $\le{}100~\mu{}\rm{}m$ that is capable of millimeter-wave observations. The radome-enclosed instrument serves as a radar sensor for space situational awareness, with about one-third of the time available for research by MIT Haystack Observatory. Ongoing testing with the K-band (18-26~GHz) and W-band receivers (currently 85-93~GHz) is preparing the inclusion of the telescope into the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) array and the use as a single-dish research telescope. Given its geographic location, the addition of the Haystack Telescope to current and future versions of the EHT array would substantially improve the image quality.