Recent technical and scientific highlights from the CHARA Array

Abstract

The Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array is a six-element interferometer at Mount Wilson Observatory with baselines ranging from 34 to 331m. The Array hosts a number of new or upgraded, six-telescope beam combiners that span the spectrum from the visible R-band to the near-infrared K-band with a range in available spectral resolution. The most recent is the Silmaril combiner that is a three-telescope instrument for H and K-bands that is designed for very high sensitivity on fainter targets. A seventh, mobile telescope is now on-site for use with fiber optics for H-band beam transport. The mobile telescope will extend the baseline range from 20m to 579m, creating new opportunities for measurements of stars with large and small angular diameters. Observing time is available to the community through a program funded by NSF. The observing programs are solicited and peer-reviewed by NSF’s NOIRLab. This paper summarizes the astronomical work and technical advances made over the last two years.