Sub-mm observing

Sub-mm observing is the crossroads between far-infrared astronomy (using bolometers) and radio astronomy. Only been possible over the past ~ 20yrs.

Remember how the angular resolution of a telescope depends on wavelength and telescope diameter:

so submm resolution is poor, unless you can do interferometry (ALMA).

From Hayward et al 2012: Mock imaging of starburst merger in submm emission

Left to right: simulation, 0.5" FWHM mapping, 7" FWHM mapping, 15" FWHM mapping