Key dates have been announced for early proposal planning for Cycle 12.

Following the announcement from ESO about the start of the search for its next astronomical ground-based programme for the 2040s (https://next.eso.org/), the community is getting organised to prepare the science case for a potential facility in the 2040s ('ALMA 2040'), building upon the successes of the current ALMA Observatory. 

The Science Verification data for Orion KL observed from 2024 April 26 to April 28 are now available on the Science Portal. The data were obtained in the spectral scan mode in Band 1, with the total on-source time of about 129 minutes.

Numerous ALMA staff worldwide remain actively involved in the preparation of the ALMA Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU). Regarding the advancement of development projects within the ALMA regions, the Data Transmission System successfully completed its Preliminary Design Review in Japan in October. Additionally, the Conceptual Design Review and the System Requirement Review for the Total Power GPU Spectrometer were also passed in October.

The BRAIN study pioneers the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to ALMA data, redefining imaging processes. By addressing challenges like extended emission detection and computational efficiency, the study introduces cutting-edge tools - RESOLVE and DeepFocus - to improve imaging quality and speed.

Following the announcement from ESO about the start of the search for its next astronomical ground-based programme for the 2040s (https://next.eso.org/), the community is getting organised to prepare the science case for a potential facility in the 2040s ('ALMA 2040'), building upon the successes of the current ALMA Observatory. 

Spanish ALMA days will take place on 18-20 February 2025 and will be hosted by the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC) in Tenerife, Spain.

The UK ALMA 2025 Hybrid Workshop will take place 20-22 January 2025 (registration deadline: 15 November 2024).