National Astronomical Research Institute (Public Institution) Nari reveals the team of engineers at the Radio Astronomy Laboratory and researcher at the National Astronomical Research Institute Together to test the operation of the National Radio Telescope in spectral observation mode. and managed to receive the first signal from “Mazer” from a massive star formation region Westerout 49 North (W49N) With a radio frequency receiving device in the L band (L band) on October 25, 2022, after successfully receiving signals from the Milky Way and pulsars previously
Mazer (MASER: Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a naturally occurring phenomenon. Found in space objects such as gas around comets. Stellar atmosphere Gas that forms a star, etc., is caused by particles or molecules being excited (excited state), causing the high intensity electromagnetic waves that are emitted at the same time. and induce other particles to move forward in a chain reaction. If the result is a visible light wave, it is called a Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation), but if the result is a microwave wave, it is called a Maser.
Dr Koichiro Sugiyama Massive star formation researcher Radio Astronomy Research Group Dr. Dr. studied. the evolution of massive stars by observing Maser, said the first Maser signal this time. Comes from testing the L-Band receiver at the frequency level 1.0-1.8 GHz, used to observe the hydroxyl (OH) type maser in the frequency range 1.665 GHz and 1.667 gigahertz of the W49N giant star formation zone by means of a raster scan, which ‘n moving the receiver slowly at a constant speed along the plane and perpendicularly. Each observation space is 600 arcsec, covering a square observation area. How to observe this It can be used to study a variety of celestial objects such as gas in space, pulsars, galaxies, etc.
for “W49N” It is a very massive star forming region known to astronomers. because it is the brightest It is about 40 million times brighter than the Sun and is part of W49A, a large cloud of stellar gas. About 36,220 light-years from Earth, it is about 200,000 times more massive than our Sun and contains many young, massive, growing stars. It acts as a laboratory for astronomers to study the evolution and physical characteristics of massive stars that form in the region. It also helps to understand the evolution of the galaxy and the universe even more. Because it is very bright and heavy elements like iron are synthesized.
Mr. Apichart Lekngam, Director of the National Observatory and Engineering Operations Centre He said this success was another important step to test the research and observation capabilities of the National Radio Telescope. For the receiver device that Dr Dr installs next is the K-band receiver device at the 18.0-26.5 GHz frequency level. the water maser in the massive star-forming region W49N, when the hydrogen hydroxyl maser and the water maser can be seen. This will allow us to better understand the evolution of massive stars in that region.
Dr Wipoo Rujopakarn Deputy Director of the National Institute for Astronomical Research said the National Radio Telescope With a diameter of 40 meters, it is the most advanced single-dish radio telescope in Asia. And the highest efficiency in Southeast Asia at the moment. There are also plans to join an international radio telescope network. Join a network of very long baseline interferometry or VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) radio telescopes in different countries that will increase performance as a large radio telescope. to have the potential to study and research and discover new information in the future
