Project Description

Since 1996, Acade mia Sinica Institute of Astronomy & Astrophysics (ASIAA) has been carrying o ut the Submillimeter Array (SMA) project in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observato ry (SAO). In November 2003, the array was dedicated on Mauna Kea, Hawaii by the previous Academia Sinica President Y. T. Lee and Smithsonian Institution Sec retary Larry Small. It consists of eight 6-meter antennas, with two of them (inc luding the associated electronics and receiver systems) delivered by ASIAA under close collaborations with university groups and industry in Taiwan.

As a partner of the SMA project, ASIAA contributes towards the maintenanc e and operation of the array on Mauna Kea. ASIAA has a small local staff residing in Hilo, Hawaii. In addition, the scientific and engi neering staff visits the site regularly, and conducts remote operation from Taip ei.