Solar Research with ALMA

Abstract

The Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array (ALMA) is a large interferometer that will consist up to 64 high-precision antennas operating in the 31.3 - 950 GHz frequency range. In this frequency range, which is largely unexplored, unique observations with a broad range of scientific objectives (cosmology, cold universe, galaxies, stars and their formation, planets and so on) are expected. Among these tasks there is a unique possibility to observe the Sun and to address several outstanding issues of solar physics. First, the ALMA is briefly described and then the new ESO-ALMA European node (ARC), built at Ondřejov Observatory, is presented. In Europe, this ARC is the only one oriented to solar physics. Consequently, the requirements and limitations for ALMA solar observations, as well as some examples of possible solar-oriented ALMA projects, are shown. A procedure of the preparation and submission of proposals for ALMA observations is mentioned. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.