Start of Cycle 12 and Cycle 12 Proposal Submission Statistics
Cycle 12 commenced on 01 October. The new cycle’s observations are underway, and users are already receiving data from the new cycle. As always, please feel free to contact the UK ARC Node for assistance with any observations, including making changes to the projects, retrieving data, or creating images for analysis.
The Joint ALMA Observatory has compiled a report with detailed statistics regarding the proposal review process that is assessable via this link. As stated in the last newsletter, 1640 proposals were received for Cycle 12, including 43 Large Programs, with 211 proposals ranked either A or B, and a total of 4170 hours of observing time was allocated to these programs. Also note that over 1000 people participated in the review process, and the ALMA organization thanks everyone who took part.
Unveiling ALMA Band 2 Workshop
24-26 February 2026
Bologna, Italy
Website
Abstract Submission (Deadline: 31 October 2025)
Registration (Deadline: 16 January 2026)
The new ALMA Band 2 receivers, covering a frequency range of 67 to 116 GHz, will permit ALMA to perform new spectral line and continuum observations at frequencies that have not yet been explored by the telescope. The installation and testing of the ALMA Band 2 receivers is currently underway, and data from the Band 2 receivers will be made available soon.
The Unveiling ALMA Band 2 workshop plans to bring together astronomers and ALMA staff to discuss the full capabilities of Band 2 as well as the potential science that can be done with the new receivers. Additionally, the current plans are to have a special session devoted specifically to the new Band 2 Science Verification data.
To register, fill in this form by the deadline of 16 January 2026. Participants who want to present talks or posters regarding potential science with Band 2 are invited to go to the abstract submission page. The abstract submission deadline is 31 October.
CARTA Image Competition
Website
Closing Date: 12 December 2025
Astronomers have been invited to submit their best images made using CARTA to an image competition. The images will be divided into two categories (images made using the multi-colour blender and other scientific images), and participants can submit up to 3 images per category. Visit the website to participate. The closing date for submissions is 12 December 2025.
UK ALMA Regional Centre Support Information and Contact Details
The UK ALMA Regional Centre Node is available to provide support to people working with or interested in working with ALMA. This may include help with preparatory data analysis, including the use of archival data, proposal and observing preparation, data calibration and imaging, and subsequent data analyses. We can also provide computing facilities for ALMA data processing and training for individuals or groups of people.
If you have any ALMA science results that they want to share with the UK ALMA community, please contact us, and we will endeavour to include those results in our next newsletter and on our website.
For any ALMA-related queries or support requests, please contact the UK ARC Node via the following:
ALMA Helpdesk: help.almascience.org
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.