Searching for cosmic dawn from the sub-Antarctic with PRIZM

Hsin Cynthia Chang (McGill University)

November 15, 2018

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Abstract: Observations of redshifted 21-cm emission of neutral hydrogen are a rapidly growing area of cosmology research. I will describe a new experiment, PRIZM, that is designed to study cosmic dawn by observing globally averaged 21-cm emission in a frequency range of 50-150 MHz. The instrument consists of two modified four-square antennas and a dual-polarization spectrometer back end. PRIZM deployed in April 2017 to Marion Island, an exceptionally isolated and radio-quiet location in the sub-Antarctic, and the second year of science observations are currently in progress. I will discuss the current status of PRIZM, our assessment of the RFI environment on Marion Island, lessons learned in surviving the Roaring Forties, and plans for upcoming deployments.