Nobeyama 45m Radio Telescope Project
The main stars of the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, including the derelict 10m dishes in the foreground, and the behemoth 45m radio telescope in the distance
The Nobeyama Radio Observatory is the backbone of radio astronomy in Japan. But this legendary facility is suffering severe financial stress and could be at risk of closure.
Help us to keep the enormous 45m radio telescope funded by donating and becoming a participant in our new astronomical observations.
Our Plan
We have initiated an observing program to search for elusive maser emission in a distant, giant proto-star.
Our astronomical observations will be carried out by ourselves personally, using the 45m radio telescope. Please join us.
What we will observe
The target of our observations is a star which is still in the process of being born, aka. a protostar. What sets this one apart from the many others is that it is a high-mass type, meaning it contains at least eight times the mass of the Sun, and it is forming at the center of a spiral disk system. Its name is G358-MM1.
In 2019 this high-mass protostar suddenly began emitting intense maser emission in radio waves. Astronomers discovered the cause of the emission was the protostar’s sudden burst of growth, an enigmatic phenomenon rarely seen but holds vital clues as to how massive stars are created.
The event caused widespread excitement in the astronomical community and lead to one of the most detailed investigations ever conducted.
Some of the maser emission was seen at unexpected frequencies. We will point the enormous Nobeyama 45m radio telescope at G358-MM1 to see if this mysterious maser emission is still being produced several years after the 2019 flare of activity.
The 45m telescope in winter
Ross during a recent work visit
Receiving radio signals in the control room
The huge 45m telescope seen from a distance
Operation of the Nobeyama 45m telescope costs 10,000 JPY per hour (about $66/hr). Conducting our observations will require paying the Nobeyama Radio Observatory 100,000 JPY (about 660 USD).
By donating toward our project you will gain access to the behind-the-scenes, real life work of astronomers and your help will support the survival of the Nobeyama Radio Observatory.
All supporters will be acknowledged.
Get involved with radio astronomy
All donators
Will receive video taken while at the observatory, including the telescope system and surrounding nature. Your name will be added to Our Thanks listings, and you will receive a certificate of gratitude from the GERA Foundation.
Donations of $15 or more
Will also get access to a live QnA zoom call to be held during the actual observations.
Donations of $100 or more (limited to the top 3 donors)
Will also be recognised in the acknowledgements of the astronomical journal publication of the G358-MM1 publication.
Contact us.
We are always keen to hear from the community and public. If you have any comments or ideas relating to our work feel free to contact us by email or via the message portal.
General enquiries:
info@gerafoundation.com
5841-87A Street NW, Edmonton AB, T6E 5W6, CANADA