‘The expansion of the EHT network to Africa has been a longstanding dream, which is now becoming reality. Namibia is ideally located for this kind of research. The AMT will play a pioneering role in making the EHT a truly global enterprise and in furthering our quest to better understand the mysteries surrounding black holes.’ prof. dr. Heino Falcke, Radboud University and chair of the AMT board.
“I am proud of the international collaboration, especially with our African partners, as we explore new origins and fundamental questions.” prof. dr. José Sanders, Rector Magnificus Radboud University.
“The AMT shows how science and instrumentation strengthen one another. Dutch astronomy has high ambitions, and this project fits those perfectly. I look forward to a strong collaboration.” prof. dr. Sijbrand de Jong, Dean Faculty of Science, Radboud University.
Construction and location in Namibia
The new telescope will be built near the H.E.S.S. observatory, close to the Gamsberg table mountain in Namibia. Namibia is well suited for radio telescopes because it offers high, extremely dry, and radio-quiet locations with a unique view of the southern sky – precisely where the global network was missing a crucial link. The intention is that the AMT will eventually be relocated to the higher Gamsberg plateau once the infrastructure is ready.
'From the beginning, it was clear that Namibia would be an excellent location for the AMT. The country has extensive experience with world-class telescopes such as H.E.S.S., and the University of Namibia is currently planning to establish Gamsberg as an astronomical observatory, which shall ultimately host the AMT.' prof. dr. Michael Backes, Research Chair in Astronomy, University of Namibia.
'The AMT will play a critical role in African astronomy, not only for black hole imaging but also its proximity to H.E.S.S. will make it a major player in the emerging field of multi-messenger astrophysics', prof. dr. Sera Markoff, Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy, University of Amsterdam & Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge
'Beyond its vital contribution to the Event Horizon Telescope, the programme to rapidly respond to diverse astrophysical transients will be a world first. No other telescope on the globe is dedicated to exploring this exciting new space' prof. dr. Rob Fender, Professor of Astrophysics, University of Oxford.
'The coming of the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) is a proud moment for Africa, being the first of its kind in the continent. As a partner in the project, UNISA longs to see the groundbreaking science and human capital development that the AMT will engender' prof. dr. James Chibueze, UNISA Centre for Astrophysics & Space Sciences, University of South Africa.
'Building an antenna for a site like Namibia demands exceptional robustness and precision. After a long period of preparation, it is exciting to see the project finally gain momentum and moving forward in full force as part of a truly global astronomical effort' Dr. Jens Bormann, COO mtex antenna technology.
In addition to its position within the EHT network, the AMT will be the first radio telescope in Africa operating at millimetre wavelengths. This will give Namibia a leading role in global millimetre astronomy while stimulating scientific development across the region.
The scientific research programme will be developed jointly by the AMT partner institutions. As part of the EHT network, the AMT will produce improved black hole images for modelling and interpretation. The AMT will also work as a stand-alone observatory searching for radio emission of merging black holes and neutron stars, and other rapidly flaring sources. In close collaboration with other observatories in Africa and worldwide, AMT will carry out multi-wavelength monitoring of supermassive black holes. Additionally, a comprehensive education and outreach programme has also been set up. This programme is growing and it will develop over the course of the AMT project.
The telescope dish
The telescope dish is constructed by mtex antenna technology, a German manufacturer with a proven track record in scientific antennas. The company is headquartered in Germany, where it also operates its integration and testing facility, and maintains production activities in the USA. From early on, mtex has played an active role in international radio astronomy projects. It has also designed similar precision antennas for the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in the USA. This background provides the foundation for the Africa Millimetre Telescope.
The AMT consists of a robotically operated 14-metre dish optimised for 86–350 GHz frequencies and will be able to observe frequencies as low as 8 GHz. The AMT will be integrated into Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) arrays, including the Event Horizon Telescope and the GMVA. It will also connect to future VLBI observations on the African continent, including those of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
Funding
The telescope is being built bespoke for this project, and the funding for its construction comes from the European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant “BlackHolistic” (awarded to University of Amsterdam, University of Oxford, Radboud University, University of Turku, and University of Namibia), and the Dutch Research Council (NWO) funding for scientific infrastructure. NOVA provides funding for the front-end receiver.
