ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) is one step closer to space exploration thanks to the Air Force Research Laboratory. The university is getting $6.2 million to complete the first phase of its $30 million five-year project for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer. <\/p>\n
When complete, the project will improve detection and characterization of objects at Geosynchronous Earth Orbit and beyond, said Van Romero in a news release, vice president for research and professor of physics at NMT. It will allow astronomers to assess the health and orientation of man-made objects and study starspots, newly forming planets around young stars, and accretion disk physics around super-massive black holes.<\/p>\n
With the money, New Mexico Tech says it will be able to build three telescopes and two scientific instruments in Socorro. The funding will also support a team of more than 40 scientists, engineers, students and support staff. <\/p>\n
According to the news release from the Air Force Research Lab, the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer will be one of the largest Earth-based optical telescopes, made up of collecting mirrors that work together to produce images with resolutions equal to a single telescope of more than three football fields across.The news release states that the observatory is expected to be completed in 2026.<\/p>\n
The news release states that NMT anticipates the facility will be available to public tours, and K-12 school programs, and will promote collaborations with universities.<\/p>\n
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Air Force Research Lab, New Mexico Tech to further space exploration - KRQE News 13<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) is one step closer to space exploration thanks to the Air Force Research Laboratory. Continue reading