The ALMA survey to Resolve exoKuiper belt Substructures (ARKS), using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), has produced the sharpest images ever of 24 debris disks, the dusty belts left after planets finish forming. These disks are the cosmic equivalent of the teenage years for planetary systems—somewhat more mature than newborn, planet-forming disks, but not yet settled into adulthood.
Recent News
The NSF Very Large Array Helps Reveal Record-Breaking Stream of Super-Heated Gas from Nearby Galaxy
New radio images from the the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array trace a pair of powerful plasma jets launched by galaxy VV 340a’s central supermassive black hole, which appear to be driving hot coronal gas out of the galaxy and shutting down future star formation.
Radio Telescopes Uncover ‘Invisible’ Gas Around Record-Shattering Cosmic Explosion
Astronomers using the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array have revealed a dense cocoon of gas around one of the most extreme cosmic explosions ever seen, showing that a ravenous black hole ripped apart a massive star and then lit up its surroundings with powerful X-rays.
Making Scientific Breakthroughs Possible in 2025
2025 was an incredibly productive year for AUI, marked by significant advances across astronomy, energy, advanced therapeutics, and STEM education and workforce development. From assembling the prototype antenna for the ngVLA to exploring solutions for national critical mineral independence, AUI has continued to make transformative contributions to science and technology. This review highlights our key achievements, partnerships and initiatives that have propelled research, education and innovation forward — thanks to the dedication of our teams, collaborators, and supporters.
Next Generation Very Large Array
A landmark event for astronomy took place on April 25, 2025, as mtex antenna technology GmbH officially handed over the prototype antenna for the proposed Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) to the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) at a ceremony held at the NSF Very Large Array site on the Plains of San Agustin, New Mexico.
The observatory also secured memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with multiple universities for collaboration.
Next Generation RADAR
At Green Bank Observatory, the Next Generation RADAR system (ngRADAR) is maintaining space situational awareness for planetary defense, planetary science and space domain awareness.
ALMA Observatory
A wideband sensitivity upgrade has begun on the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). This modernization represents a technological leap forward, enabling ALMA to observe the universe with unprecedented precision and efficiency. By increasing the range and sensitivity of its observations, ALMA will unlock an entirely new realm of possibilities for understanding the cosmos.
ALMA also produced numerous discoveries, publications and achievements this year.
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Research using U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) telescopes has now been cited over one million times in scientific literature.
Additionally, AUI was asked for a proposal to extend the NRAO-AUI cooperative agreement, which is currently under review.
IMCA-CAT
This April, we began managing the Industrial Macromolecular Crystallography Association – Collaborative Access Team (IMCA-CAT), a synchrotron research center at Argonne National Laboratory, while it received beamline upgrades.
Center for American Supply Chain Resilience
AUI partnered with Utah Mining Association, World Trade Center Utah, 47G, and many others in academia and government to attract critical mineral R&D infrastructure and lead America towards critical mineral independence.
BEACONS & Livy
Performed battery supply chain analysis for BEACONS and spun off a new company, Livy, along with LEAP Manufacturing.
Education & Public Engagement
Deepened collaborative networks through ASTRO ACCEL and Cosmovisions Phase II, and worked with the U.S. Department of Defense to design and implement an Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Workshop in support of a rigorous scientific framework and a data-driven approach to the study of UAP.
Recent News
ALMA Reveals Teenage Years of New Worlds
The ALMA survey to Resolve exoKuiper belt Substructures (ARKS), using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), has produced the sharpest images ever of 24 debris disks, the dusty belts left after planets finish forming. These disks are the cosmic equivalent of the teenage years for planetary systems—somewhat more mature than newborn, planet-forming disks, but not yet settled into adulthood.
The NSF Very Large Array Helps Reveal Record-Breaking Stream of Super-Heated Gas from Nearby Galaxy
New radio images from the the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array trace a pair of powerful plasma jets launched by galaxy VV 340a’s central supermassive black hole, which appear to be driving hot coronal gas out of the galaxy and shutting down future star formation.
Radio Telescopes Uncover ‘Invisible’ Gas Around Record-Shattering Cosmic Explosion
Astronomers using the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array have revealed a dense cocoon of gas around one of the most extreme cosmic explosions ever seen, showing that a ravenous black hole ripped apart a massive star and then lit up its surroundings with powerful X-rays.