High-energy transient signals are most often determined to be gamma-ray burst events, but the recently-launched Einstein Probe has expanded astronomers’ ability to quickly respond to similar signals occurring at X-ray wavelengths. Now, a multi-wavelength study of EP240408a concludes that while many of the signal’s characteristics might lead to the conclusion that it is a gamma-ray burst, the non-detection at radio wavelengths precludes that possibility.
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Tucked away in a star-forming region in the Taurus constellation, a pair of circling stars are displaying some unexpected differences in the circumstellar disks of dust and gas that surround them. A new study led by researchers at Lowell Observatory, combining data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Keck Observatory, has unveiled intriguing findings about planet formation in this binary star system, known as DF Tau, along with other systems in this region.
Anuncio sobre multicancha / Announcement regarding indoor sports facility
English language announcement below
January 31st, 2018
Estimados colegas:
Me complace comunicarles que el día de hoy AUI/NRAO Chile firmó contrato con Toptent Ingeniería y Construcción SpA, empresa que se adjudicó el proyecto multicancha. Toptent, y sus socios Constructora Sergenco y Murúa Arquitectos, son reconocidos por su amplia y exitosa trayectoria en proyectos de ingeniería, construcción y diseño arquitectónico. Este proyecto tiene como fin mejorar las condiciones de vida y esparcimiento de los trabajadores de ALMA; y ha sido posible gracias al generoso y excepcional aporte de NSF y NRAO, por sobre el presupuesto normal de operaciones.
Durante la evaluación de las ofertas tomamos en consideración los requerimientos expresados por el staff (a través de la encuesta, grupos focales y reuniones informativas), prestando especial atención a la retroalimentación provista por ARA, como asociación que agrupa y organiza a los deportistas frecuentes. Como verán en las imágenes referenciales, el diseño incluye paredes de hormigón armado y utiliza una doble membrana tensada con vigas de madera laminada como cubierta. Esta combinación de materiales y tecnología busca optimizar el confort de los usuarios en términos de temperatura y ventilación, sin sacrificar la durabilidad y facilidad de mantención. Dentro del recinto habrá un espacio para instalar máquinas de ejercicio (separado del área de juego), así como una sala de primeros auxilios, baños y una bodega. El impacto visual será mitigado mediante una edificación semi-enterrada, además de la membrana que actúa como blackout y el paisajismo que considera la mineralogía natural de la zona.
Con la firma de este contrato, se dará inicio a la ingeniería y posterior revisión del diseño, procesos que durarán aproximadamente cinco meses. Esperamos que la construcción comience a mediados de este año y que la multicancha esté operativa a mediados de 2019.
El 2 de marzo, aprovechando la presencia en Chile de representantes de la NSF y NRAO, realizaremos una ceremonia de Primera Piedra en el sitio, seguida de una breve recepción. Todos los que estén presentes ese día están cordialmente invitados. Una vez hayan finalizado las etapas de ingeniería y revisión del diseño (aproximadamente en junio/julio) organizaremos charlas informativas para compartir los detalles con todo el staff.
Estamos contentos y orgullosos de poder cumplir con el sueño de la multicancha y así fomentar la vida sana de todos quienes trabajamos en ALMA.
Atentos saludos,
Paulina Bocaz
Representante en Chile AUI/NRAO
Dear colleagues,
It is my pleasure to announce that today the AUI/NRAO Office of Chilean Affairs signed a contract with Toptent Ingeniería y Construcción SpA to design and build an indoor sports facility (“multicancha”) at the ALMA OSF. Toptent, and its partners Constructora Sergenco and Murúa Arquitectos, are renowned for their long and proven track records in engineering, construction and architectural design. This project has been made possible by very generous, one-time funding contributions from the NSF and NRAO, outside normal operations funds, to enhance the living conditions for ALMA staff.
During the bidding evaluation, ALMA staff requirements (captured through the survey, focus groups and information sessions) were taken into consideration, paying special attention to the feedback provided by ARA, as the organization that brings together frequent sport users. As you will see in the appended images, the chosen design includes reinforced concrete walls and a tensile double membrane with wood beams as roof. This structure and technology will ensure user comfort in terms of temperature control and ventilation, without sacrificing durability and ease of maintenance. The facility includes an area for exercise equipment separated from the playing ground, a first-aid room, restrooms and storage space. Visual impact will be mitigated by the semi-buried construction, the blackout membrane and landscaping that considers the natural mineralogy of the area.
Contract signature kicks off the engineering period and subsequent critical design review, which should take approximately five months to complete. We expect construction to begin by the middle of this year and the multicancha to be delivered in mid-2019.
On March 2nd, we will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at the OSF when NSF and NRAO representatives are in Chile. Everyone present at the site is cordially invited to join the ceremony and a brief reception to follow. Once the engineering and critical design review are finished (June/July) we will hold information sessions to share all the details with staff.
We are happy and proud to deliver on this long-awaited project, thus contributing to the healthy lifestyle of those who work at ALMA.
Best regards,
Paulina Bocaz
AUI/NRAO Representative in Chile
Firma contrato entre Toptent Ingeniería y Construcción SpA y Associated Universities, Inc. | Contract signature between Toptent Ingeniería y Construcción SpA y Associated Universities, Inc.
Vista externa desde el camino de acceso a OSF, y en dirección al volcán Licancabur. | External view from access road to OSF, facing Licancabur volcano.
Vista interna de la multicancha. | Interior view of indoor sports facility.
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High-energy transient signals are most often determined to be gamma-ray burst events, but the recently-launched Einstein Probe has expanded astronomers’ ability to quickly respond to similar signals occurring at X-ray wavelengths. Now, a multi-wavelength study of EP240408a concludes that while many of the signal’s characteristics might lead to the conclusion that it is a gamma-ray burst, the non-detection at radio wavelengths precludes that possibility.
Students Contribute to New Understanding of ‘Twinkling’ Pulsars
The flexible observing setup of the Green Bank Observatory’s 20-meter telescope enabled frequent, long-duration observations of eight pulsars, spanning two and a half years for a student-driven study carried out by students in the Pulsar Science Collaboratory program.
Double the Disks, Double the Discovery: New Insights into Planet Formation in DF Tau
Tucked away in a star-forming region in the Taurus constellation, a pair of circling stars are displaying some unexpected differences in the circumstellar disks of dust and gas that surround them. A new study led by researchers at Lowell Observatory, combining data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Keck Observatory, has unveiled intriguing findings about planet formation in this binary star system, known as DF Tau, along with other systems in this region.