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Walailak University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) to collaborate on the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) Radio Telescope in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The partnership aims to advance research and knowledge in radio astronomy, with the VGOS Radio Telescope serving as a primary instrument. The construction of the telescope base and its installation are expected to be completed by 2025.

On September 2, 2024, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, and Dr.Saran Poshyachinda, Executive Director of NARIT, signed the MoU to cooperate on the VGOS Radio Telescope project in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The signing ceremony, held at NARIT in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, was witnessed by Associate Professor Dr. Warit Jawjit, Vice President of Walailak University, and Assistant Professor Dr.Wiphu Rujopakarn, Deputy Director of NARIT, along with executives and staff from both organizations.

This MoU aims to promote the VGOS Radio Telescope collaboration project in Nakhon Si Thammarat and to support the development of skills and knowledge among personnel from both institutions. The partnership also facilitates the exchange of experiences in astronomy and related engineering fields.

NARIT and Walailak University will jointly manage the project, which involves constructing the telescope base and installing a 13-meter VGOS Radio Telescope, supported by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Walailak University will provide the land for the VGOS Radio Telescope. Both institutions will collaborate with SHAO on the construction of the telescope base, the installation of the VGOS Radio Telescope, the signal receivers, and the subsequent testing.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong expressed his delight at the signing of the MoU on behalf of Walailak University, stating, "This initiative has already been presented to the University Council and has received great support. Our university's location is suitable for hosting the radio telescope, which will greatly benefit the advancement of astronomy in Thailand. Although Walailak University currently lacks an astronomy program, we have a strong physics department, and we may consider offering an astronomy major in the future. This would allow us to develop dedicated faculty and researchers in the field, fully supporting the growth of astronomy. On behalf of the Thai people, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the Executive Director of NARIT and his team for their significant contributions to radio astronomy. This MoU marks the first step towards a stronger collaboration in the future."

Dr.Saran Poshyachinda highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, "The installation of the 13-meter VGOS Radio Telescope at Walailak University is a significant milestone, as this multi-purpose instrument is one of the best in the field of radio astronomy. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, our patron, has been informed about the establishment of this VGOS station at Walailak University. We deeply appreciate the university's cooperation with NARIT, and this is just the beginning. We anticipate further collaborations in raising public awareness, communicating astronomy, and conducting research."

The joint research and development efforts in radio astronomy will primarily focus on using the VGOS Radio Telescope for geodesy studies, which involves the precise measurement of Earth's shape, orientation in space, gravity field, and various surface characteristics, with accuracy down to the millimeter level. Faculty members and students at Walailak University will benefit from the data collected by the VGOS Radio Telescope, which can be utilized in teaching, research, academic services, and other university activities. Research and academic outputs derived from the VGOS telescope will feature the university's name.

Additionally, NARIT will support Walailak University by transferring skills, knowledge, and technology related to astronomy and engineering associated with the project. This includes expertise in radio astronomy, geodesy, radio signal reception and processing technologies, radio telescope control systems, data analysis, and data science. Both institutions will be able to exchange experience, enhance skills and knowledge, and pave the way for future partnerships.









Photos and News by Walailak University Bangkok Coordination Subdivision, Division of Correspondence and General Affairs