[astroseminar at Sapienza] July 2 at 16:00 in Aula Rasetti: Claudia Cicone

[Elia Battistelli]

Title: The Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST): 
enabling large-scale sub-mm science beyond 2030
Speaker: Claudia Cicone
Institution: Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics University of Oslo
Date: Thursday July 2, 2026
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Aula Rasetti, Dept. of Physics, Sapienza University

Abstract: 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).

web: https://agenda.infn.it/event/52881/