The Haystack Telescope as an Astronomical Instrument

The Haystack Telescope is an antenna with a diameter of 37 m and an elevation-dependent surface accuracy of <= 100 mu m that is capable of millimeter-wave observations. The radome-enclosed instrument serves as a radar sensor for space situational awareness, with about one-third of the time available for research by MIT Haystack Observatory. Ongoing testing with the K-band (18-26 GHz) and W-band receivers (currently 85-93 GHz) is preparing the inclusion of the telescope into the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) array and the use as a single-dish research telescope. Given its geographic location, the addition of the Haystack Telescope to current and future versions of the EHT array would substantially improve the image quality.

Automated summary

The Haystack Telescope is a 37 m diameter antenna capable of millimeter-wave observations. It serves as a radar sensor for space situational awareness and is used for research by MIT Haystack Observatory. Ongoing testing is preparing for its inclusion in the Event Horizon Telescope array and its use as a single-dish research telescope. Its addition would substantially improve the image quality of the EHT array.