Status of the Thai 40-m Radio Telescope

Abstract

Since the first light of the 2.4-m Thai National Telescope in 2013, Thailand foresees another great leap forward in astronomy. A project known as “Radio Astronomy Network and Geodesy for Development” (RANGD) by National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has been approved for year 2017-2021. A 40-m radio telescope has been planned to operate up to 115-GHz observation with prime-focus capability for low frequency and phased array feed receivers. The telescope’s first light is expected in late 2019 with a cryogenics K-band and L-band receivers. RFI environment at the site has been investigated and shown to be at reasonable level. A 13-m VGOS telescope is also included for geodetic applications. Early single-dish science will focus on time domain observations, such as pulsars and transients, outbursts and variability of maser and AGN sources.