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The Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) was an astronomical instrument comprising 23 radio telescopes. These telescopes formed an astronomical interferometer where all the signals are combined in a purpose-built computer (a correlator) to produce high-resolution astronomical images. The telescopes ceased operation in April 2015 and were relocated to the Owens Valley Radio Observatory for storage.
Taken on one of my very first AutoKAP flights using my new 9-ft Levitation Delta Light from Into The Wind.
The Paphos Archaeological Park, located in Paphos, Republic of Cyprus, is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a vast array of historical and archaeological treasures. Spanning a significant portion of the ancient city of Paphos, the park is a testament to the rich and diverse history of the region, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. In this essay, we will explore the history of the Paphos Archaeological Park, highlighting its key features and shedding light on its significance as a cultural and historical landmark.
The history of human settlement in the Paphos region dates back to the Neolithic period, around 7000-3800 BCE. Excavations within the park have revealed the remains of early settlements and tombs from this era, indicating a thriving community engaged in agriculture, trade, and burial rituals. The park also contains evidence of the subsequent Chalcolithic period (3800-2400 BCE) and the Bronze Age (2400-1050 BCE), with artifacts such as pottery, tools, and jewelry offering insights into the daily life and material culture of these ancient societies.
Paphos, known as Nea Paphos during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, emerged as an important city-state in the region. It became the capital of Cyprus in the 4th century BCE and was renowned for its flourishing economy, political influence, and artistic achievements. Many of the park's most remarkable structures and monuments date from this period.
One of the standout features of the Paphos Archaeological Park is the extensive Roman villas with their remarkable mosaic floors. The most famous of these is the Villa of Theseus, named after a mosaic depicting the mythical hero Theseus slaying the Minotaur. This villa, believed to have been built in the 2nd century CE, showcases intricate and colorful mosaics that depict scenes from Greek mythology, everyday life, and various other motifs. The House of Aion, House of Dionysos, and House of Orpheus are other notable villas within the park, each displaying its own unique mosaics.
In addition to the Roman villas, the park is also home to the Odeon, an ancient theater that once hosted musical and theatrical performances. Built in the 2nd century CE, the Odeon boasts a semi-circular auditorium and has been partially reconstructed to allow visitors to experience its original grandeur. The theater could accommodate up to 1,200 spectators and serves as a testament to the cultural and artistic vibrancy of ancient Paphos.
Another significant structure within the park is the Agora, the ancient marketplace of Paphos. Excavations have revealed the remains of shops, administrative buildings, and public spaces, providing valuable insights into the commercial and social life of the city. The Agora was a bustling hub of economic activity, where merchants and traders from different parts of the Mediterranean would converge to exchange goods and ideas.
The park also features several early Christian basilicas, such as the Basilica of Chrysopolitissa. These religious structures date from the early Byzantine period (4th-7th centuries CE) and provide glimpses into the spread and development of Christianity on the island. The basilicas contain beautifully decorated mosaic floors and architectural elements that showcase the evolving artistic and architectural styles of the time.
Over the centuries, Paphos witnessed significant changes in its political and cultural landscape. The city fell under Byzantine, Arab, and Crusader rule before eventually becoming part of the Venetian and Ottoman empires. These successive periods of occupation left their mark on Paphos, and remnants of fortifications, baths, and other structures from these eras can be found within the park.
The Paphos Archaeological Park has undergone extensive excavation, restoration, and conservation efforts since the 1960s. The Department of Antiquities, in collaboration with international organizations, has worked diligently to preserve and showcase the site's historical significance. The park attracts thousands of visitors each year, providing them with an opportunity to delve into the ancient past of Cyprus and gain a deeper understanding of the island's rich cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the Paphos Archaeological Park in the Republic of Cyprus stands as a testament to the vibrant and diverse history of the region. With its Neolithic settlements, Roman villas, ancient theater, early Christian basilicas, and other archaeological treasures, the park offers a captivating journey through time. It serves not only as a tourist destination but also as a vital resource for scholars and researchers seeking to unravel the mysteries of the ancient world and understand the cultural and historical significance of Paphos and its surroundings.
I love this hulking yet elegant edifice located at the southwest corner of Adelaide & Peter streets ... as seen from the northwest corner's rooftop patio ...
- Toronto, Canada
Taken with Asahi Pentax S1a Super Takumar 1:2 / 55 on Fuji Superia ISO 200
Comprises twenty-eight 25-meter radio telescopes deployed in a Y-shaped array and all the equipment, instrumentation, and computing power to function as an interferometer. Each of the massive telescopes is mounted on double parallel railroad tracks, so the radius and density of the array can be transformed to adjust the balance between its angular resolution and its surface brightness sensitivity.
Astronomers using the VLA have made key observations of black holes and protoplanetary disks around young stars, discovered magnetic filaments and traced complex gas motions at the Milky Way's center, probed the Universe's cosmological parameters, and provided new knowledge about the physical mechanisms that produce radio emission.