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Radio Astronomy in Mexico. Background Two major projects SKA?. Luis F. Rodríguez Centro de Radioastronomía y Astrofísica, UNAM. Who/Where we are…. ~130 astronomers at ~7 research centers ~14 radio astronomers at ~4 research centers. ~2 PhD students per year in radio astronomy.
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Radio Astronomy in Mexico • Background • Two major projects • SKA? Luis F. Rodríguez Centro de Radioastronomía y Astrofísica, UNAM
Who/Where we are… • ~130 astronomers at ~7 research centers • ~14 radio astronomers at ~4 research centers • ~2 PhD students per year in radio astronomy
Two Major Projects EVLA - Expanded Very Large Array + ALMA – Atacama Large Millimeter Array Centro de Radioastronomía y Astrofísica, UNAM LMT - The Large Millimeter Telescope Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Optica y Electrónica
EVLA and ALMA • 2 million US$ “mega” project • CONACyT funding, L.F. Rodríguez the P.I. • Despite extensive efforts, no Mexican contractors found; funding won by NRAO • Assures competitive Mexican access to ALMA
The Large Millimeter Telescope Largest Mexican science/technology project ever attempted INAOE-UMASS collaboration ~ 80 million US$ spent ~ 20 million US$ still needed
Large Millimeter Telescope Testing to start in 2007 Many challenges still in the future
Implications for SKA participation • Mexico has a small but active (and growing) radio community with a definite interest in SKA. • Short term prospects for formal participation are complex (rest of science community wants to see results from ELVA+ALMA and from LMT). • Medium and long term prospects are good, most possibly through a one-time financial contribution.
Previous Experience Indicates That… • It is highly desirable that funding is spent within Mexico. • Technical innovation and development as a Mexican contribution is quite challenging. A lot of work and organization are needed. Infrastructure is relatively strong. • One-time financial contributions are more viable than long-term commitments.