The US National Science Foundation’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) on the Black Hole Explorer (BHEX), a project that will enhance the capabilities of the Event Horizon Telescope by launching it into space. The partnership aims to increase the resolution and accuracy of observations, enabling scientists to study black holes in unprecedented detail.
The BHEX mission will combine NRAO’s ground-based radio antennas with a space-based telescope to produce the most detailed images in history. By studying the light that orbits the edge of a black hole before it escapes, known as a photon ring, scientists can gain new insights into these cosmic phenomena.
The collaboration marks a significant step forward in understanding the nature of black holes and advanced astrophysics research. The NSF NRAO will lead negotiations with international partners to access its ground-based facilities, including the Green Bank Telescope and ALMA, to serve as anchors for the BHEX space-VLBI interferometer.
“We’re looking forward to using our expertise in operating state-of-the-art radio facilities and processing high data volumes for this mission,” said Dr. Tony Beasley, Director of NSF NRAO. “With the support of the NSF and administration from Associated Universities, Inc., NRAO can position itself as a major partner in the ground network of this unique hybrid observatory.”
The partnership will foster the sharing of knowledge, resources, and staff between CfA and NSF NRAO, enabling the institutions to work together to advance their research. The BHEX mission is currently under development as a 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer Mission proposal for NASA, with a planned launch in 2031.
The collaboration represents a major step forward in the study of black holes and advanced astrophysics, and CfA and NSF NRAO look forward to working together to redefine the boundary of our knowledge about these mysterious phenomena.
Source: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/black-hole-explorer-hopes-reveal-new-details-supermassive-black-holes