Proyecto LLAMA

Abstract

In this paper we briefly describe a joint scientific and technological effort between Argentina and Brazil, whose first goal is to install and run, in the northwestern part of Argentina, a millimetre and submillimetre observational facility. In the long run, we would like to incorporate this dish to existing ones (ALMA, APEX, ASTE) in the northern extreme of Chile, to be able to carry out, for the first time in Latinamerican soil, very long base- line interferometry at mm/submm wavelengths. We also succintly mention a long term campaign that is under way in order to monitor the transparency of the atmosphere at those wavelengths. The science that can be accom- plished with this instrument, the technology transfer spin-offs related to this project, and the scientific and strategic importance of this project within both the Argentinean and Latinamerican radioastronomy is described.