e-MERLIN

e-MERLIN is an array of seven radio telescopes, spanning 217km across the UK, connected by a optical fibre network to Jodrell Bank Observatory.  e-MERLIN will address a broad range of scientific questions but its unique combination of angular resolution and sensitivity will be crucial for understanding:

• the history of star-formation and black hole growth as galaxies evolve
• the physical processes which govern the formation of stars
• the modes of activity in nearby galaxies
• the energetic processes in relativistic outflows from jets generated by black holes and compact objects

e-MERLIN is also part of a larger world-wide array using very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) via the European VLBI Network (EVN). VLBI links radio telescopes across countries and continents to create enormously powerful telescopes that can image astrophysical objects in better detail than any other astronomical technique. The MERLIN array is owned and operated by the University of Manchester with support from STFC.

UK Involvement