Reasons we love the ATCA

What's not to love? A beautiful long-exposure shot taken of the ATCA antennas by Alex Cherney (terrastro.com) — A beautiful long-exposure shot taken of the ATCA antennas by Alex Cherney (terrastro.com)

In the lead up to the 25th anniversary of our Australia Telescope Compact Array in Narrabri, I spoke to people at CSIRO – astronomers, engineers and support staff – who have been involved with ATCA throughout their career, to find out some personal thoughts about the telescope.

Here are just a few of the reasons we love the ATCA (click on the images to see):

: It’s on 24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk:“I think that normally most of the people have the notion of an astronomer looking through a telescope and working at night. Radio astronomers can observe 24 hours a day, but we often don’t really see in real time what we are observing.”

: You can ‘drive’ the antennas: “I can’t recall my first memory but my favourite memories are definitely driving the telescopes down the railway track when they need to be moved! It’s always great fun.””I remember Bob Hawke driving an antenna down the down the rail tracks to perform the Opening Ceremony.”

: It’s photogenic: “The structure above the subreflector is a great spot for sunrise or sunset.” “Some of the best photographs I’ve ever taken were taken at sunset or sunrise at ATCA. It really sets the scene for some spectacular pictures.”

: The computing power: “The amount of data the ATCA collects has grown from 2 CD’s a week in the early years to a DVD every two hours today. In full zoom mode it can be a DVD every 15 minutes.”“In 1990 data processing computer at the Comact Array occupied about 10% of the control-level floor space”

: 3. The wildlife:”My first memory is of visiting as a 2nd year undergrad student, helping my supervisor observe and being fascinated by all the kangaroos.”

: It makes beautiful images:”I think the favourite science project for me is the great image of the Centaurus A Galaxy, it really proves how important are the radio telescopes to understand our universe. “

From the earliest memory to little-known facts about the telescope, the underlying theme to the responses related most to fond memories of the people that work on, with, or around the telescope.

Here’s to everyone who’s been involved with ATCA, and here’s to another 25 years!

See you on Sunday!