ScienceJuly 17, 2026

interferometry

/ˌɪntərfəˈrɒmɪtri/

Definition

A technique in radio astronomy that uses multiple spatially separated antennas to work together as a single, much larger telescope, providing high-resolution imaging.

Etymology

The word is formed from the Latin 'inter' (between) and 'ferre' (to carry), combined with the Greek 'metron' (measure). It describes the process of measuring the interference patterns of waves.

In the news

In this article, interferometry is essential to the Next Generation Very Large Array project, allowing scientists to capture ultra-sharp images of space by coordinating data from antennas spread across the U.S.

U.S. National Science Foundation, NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and U.S. Naval Observatory Partner on Pathfinder for Next Generation Very Large Array | Newswise

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Newswise

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