The Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST): enabling large-scale sub-mm science beyond 2030

by Claudia Cicone (Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics University of Oslo)

Thursday Jul 2, 2026, 4:00 PM → 5:00 PM Europe/Rome

Aula Rasetti (Dipartimento di Fisica-Ed. G.MarconiAula Rasetti)

Astronomical observations at (sub-)millimeter ((sub-)mm) wavelengths are uniquely suited for studying regions of the Universe that are too cold, too dusty, too distant, or too hot and tenuous to be probed in the visible and at other wavelengths. Current (sub-)mm telescopes have achieved major breakthroughs, beyond what is possible with optical and infrared observations. However, many emerging science goals now exceed the capabilities of existing telescopes. Achieving the next transformational leap in discovery requires a new, large-aperture (50-meter), multi-purpose single-dish telescope with a wide field of view (FoV, >=1 deg) and a fast mapping speed across the full (sub-)mm band (30-950 GHz). These requirements cannot be met through upgrades of existing facilities, but demand a fundamentally new approach to telescope and instrument design.

In parallel, climate change and fuel price volatility are challenging many fields, including astronomy, to become more sustainable and responsibly use energy resources. Because they require clear skies, dry atmospheric conditions, and a pristine radio environment, major astronomical observatories are often located in remote areas, sometimes near communities with limited access to reliable power. Telescope operations are power intensive, and, particularly in the (sub-)mm/radio bands, they may continue up to 24 hours per day requiring a continuous year-round power supply. Historically, sustainability has not been a primary driver in observatory design and operations, leading to continuous dependence on fossil fuels. Active research in the field of renewable energy, tailored to the needs of astronomical facilities, is therefore a necessary first step towards a meaningful transition.

The dual ambition to pursue transformational science in the (sub-)mm and make astronomy sustainable has motivated the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST (https://www.atlast.uio.no). In this seminar, I will summarise the current status of AtLAST development, showing the results of the EU-funded Design Study (AtLAST, 2021-2024 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/951815), and preliminary results from the ongoing EU-funded design consolidation project (AtLAST2, 2025-2028, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101188037).