ALMA Radio Telescope Achieves Unprecedented Resolution Leap

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has achieved its highest resolution yet, capturing a detailed image of the star R Leporis. By placing antennas in a configuration spanning 16 kilometers and using the highest frequency on the receiver, ALMA was able to see features 5 milli-arcseconds apart, equivalent to seeing a school bus on the surface of the Moon. The observations provide the most detailed look yet at the maser emission of hydrogen cyanide surrounding R Leporis, and the team was also able to study the movement of the gas. This achievement marks a significant milestone in understanding the Universe and reinforces ALMA's position as a leader in astronomical discovery.