Korea's NGII joins the East Asian VLBI Network

The radio telescopes connected through the East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN) [NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION INSTITUTE]

The National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) has joined an East Asian consortium of astronomical institutions to connect 22 radio telescopes to achieve higher-resolution images of space, the institute said on Wednesday.

East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN) was formed in 2018 with 20 telescopes run by five astronomical institutions, in Korea, China and Japan — the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, the Xinjiang Astronomy Observatory, the Yunnan Astronomical Observatory and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is a technology that uses data from different antennas on Earth to generate more accurate readings on the cosmic phenomena by combining the measurements from the telescopes.

For instance, if two telescopes 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) apart are connected, the findings are close to those of a 100-kilometer-wide antenna. More telescopes joining the network means more detail and higher resolution images.

The institute had been providing information to the East Asian science alliance when requested, but it joined the collaborative body for the first time this year.

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand also joined for the first time, bringing the total number of telescopes to 22 from four countries.

"The EAVN is a 10,000 kilometer large radio telescope that connects 22 radio telescopes," the NGII said, "which gives it capabilities rivaling those of the Very Long Baseline Array in the United States and Europe's VLBI Network."

In addition, EAVN member institutes have signed a memorandum of understanding to allow East Asian researchers to use their antennas for academic purposes for free.

Researchers can submit their proposals on the network's website, and the board of directors will screen the applications.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]