MERLIN

:Alternate uses, see Merlin.

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The Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) is an array of radio telescopes spread across Britain. The array is run from Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire by the University of Manchester on behalf of PPARC as a National Facility.

Related Topics:
Interferometer - Radio telescope - Britain - Jodrell Bank Observatory - Cheshire - University of Manchester - PPARC

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The array consists of up to seven radio telescopes and includes the Lovell Telescope, MkII, Cambridge, Defford, Knockin, Darnhall and Pickmere (previously known as Tabley). The longest baseline is therefore 217km and MERLIN can operate at frequencies between 151 MHz and 24 GHz. At a wavelength of 6 cm (5 GHz frequency), MERLIN has a resolution of 40 milliarcseconds which is comparable to that of the HST at optical wavelengths.

Related Topics:
Radio telescopes - Frequencies - MHz - GHz - Wavelength - Arcseconds - HST

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Some of the telescopes are occasionally used for EVN and VLBI observations in order to create an interferometer with even larger baselines, providing images with much greater angular resolution.

Related Topics:
EVN - VLBI - Interferometer - Angular resolution

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