In 2026, a European-led project called AtLAST aims to map the “hidden half of the universe” using a 50-metre submillimetre-wave telescope, with design work funded by the EU until 2028. The initiative, led by astrophysicists like Claudia Cicone and Tony Mroczkowski, seeks to overcome limitations of existing facilities like ALMA, which can only observe a fraction of the cosmos.
The Vision Behind AtLAST
The AtLAST telescope, part of a broader push to revolutionize astronomy, is designed to detect radiation between radio waves and infrared, revealing obscured regions of space where dust blocks traditional observations. “Without submillimetre, we’re getting a very biased picture of what’s out there,” said Cicone, an astrophysicist at the University of Oslo. “We are missing the regions of space that are most obscured by dust.”
Current telescopes like the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have allowed astronomers to peer into some dusty areas, but AtLAST aims to provide a “wide-angle view” of the universe. Unlike ALMA’s focused, microscope-like observations, AtLAST would map cold gas and dust across the sky, addressing a critical gap in astronomical research. “ALMA can only see an area thousands of times smaller than the Moon’s surface on the sky in any given observation,” Mroczkowski, an astronomer at the Institute of Space Sciences in Spain, explained. “ALMA is powerful, but you can’t map the sky with a microscope.”
Challenges and Comparisons
AtLAST’s design faces technical and logistical hurdles, including the need for sustainable operations and international collaboration. Researchers from Europe, Chile, South Africa, Canada, and other regions are refining key technologies, though the project remains in the early design phase. The telescope is intended to complement other observatories, such as Europe’s Extremely Large Telescope, which is nearing completion in Chile.
Cicone emphasized that existing submillimetre facilities only reveal “the tip of the iceberg” of cosmic dust and gas. “With AtLAST, we will answer the question of where all the gas and dust in the universe is,” she said. The project’s success could reshape understanding of galaxy formation and the distribution of matter in the cosmos.
Global Collaboration and Timeline
AtLAST’s development involves a coalition of global partners, including institutions in Chile, South Africa, and North America. The EU-funded AtLAST2 project, running until 2028, is critical for prototyping technologies and planning operational strategies. However, the timeline for construction and deployment remains unclear, with no firm announcement on when the telescope will begin full operations.
The project’s significance extends beyond astronomy. By mapping the “cloudy, hidden universe,” AtLAST could provide insights into the origins of stars and planets, as well as the evolution of cosmic structures. Yet, its progress depends on securing long-term funding and overcoming engineering challenges, such as building a single-dish telescope of this scale.
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