
Director
Professor Sergei Gulyaev
Email: sergei.gulyaev@aut.ac.nz
Phone: +64 9 921 9541
Deputy Director
Tim Natusch
Email: tim.natusch@aut.ac.nz
Phone: +64 9 921 8689
Radio Astronomy, and particularly the technique of VLBI (Very Large Baseline Interferometry), has added a lot to the fundamental understanding of basic scientific questions. Much has been contributed to the knowledge of the structure, evolution and ultimate fate of the universe. The structure of our own galaxy can only be deduced from studies of radio waves that enable us to penetrate the thick layers of dust that block our view in the optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Fundamental theories of Physics can in many cases only be tested in energy regimes that are impossible to achieve in the laboratory, but are typical for Deep Space objects. The technique of VLBI is also essential in the development of Geoscience based models of Earth crustal movements and Earth rotational dynamics, providing a means of establishing the necessary fundamental frame of reference.
VLBI and its modern version, e-VLBI , continues to provide engineering challenges, requiring very high speed data communications, high speed and massive data storage, advanced data processing methods, ultra precise timing systems and extremely sensitive radio receivers operating at radio frequencies. It provides an ideal vehicle for driving developments in the areas of High Speed Data Communications, Supercomputing and advanced Microwave and RF design. To facilitate the development of the sciences and technologies mentioned AUT has established an Institute for Radio Astronomy and Space Research (IRASR).