The dish of a European antenna takes shape

Detail of the dish of a European ALMA antenna, before the installation of the metallic panels that make up the reflecting surface. The black elements are the supports of the panels and can be adjusted so precisely that the surface is accurate within 25 micrometres. ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, is a global partnership of Europe, North America and East Asia in cooperation with Chile. ALMA will be initially composed of 66 giant 12-metre and 7-metre diameter antennas observing at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths. The 66 antennas are provided by the different partners. ESO, the European partner in ALMA, has ordered 25 12-metre antennas, with an option for an additional seven, from the AEM (Alcatel Alenia Space France, Alcatel Alenia Space Italy, European Industrial Engineering S.r.L., MT Aerospace) Consortium.