The Submillimeter Array (SMA) Lit by Super Moon at Mauna Kea Observatory 12-03-2017
The SMA, bathed in Super Moon Moonshine was commissioned in 2003, is located at 4080 m above sea level (13,386 feet) near the summit of Maunakea. The submillimeter emission from astronomical objects is partially absorbed by water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere. At sea level, little submillimeter radiation reaches the Earth's surface, and submillimeter astronomical observations are impossible. By building the SMA on a high and dry site, the radiation can be detected and measured through this atmosphere window.
