MIT Haystack Observatory Pioneer Alan Whitney Passes at 81

Alan Robert Whitney, a prominent research scientist at the MIT Haystack Observatory, has passed away at the age of 81. His death occurred on September 28, 2023, marking the end of a remarkable career dedicated to advancing radio astronomy through innovative technologies. Whitney was instrumental in developing the technique of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), which revolutionized the field and significantly enhanced the observatory’s reputation.

Whitney’s journey began in Wyoming, where his early talent for science was evident. As a high school student, he won the state science fair in 1962 for constructing a satellite telemetry receiver from transistors and discrete components, a project he undertook in his family’s barn. He later enrolled at MIT, completing a five-year master’s program through an internship with Bell Laboratories before earning his PhD in electrical engineering in 1974.

Contributions to Radio Astronomy

Throughout his career, Whitney ascended to the rank of principal research scientist at MIT. He served as the associate director of the Haystack Observatory for many years and briefly held the position of interim director from 2007 to 2008. His excellence in research was recognized in 2011 when he received an MIT Excellence Award.

Whitney was heavily involved in the pioneering development of VLBI during the late 1960s. This groundbreaking technique provided direct measurements of continental drift and unprecedented angular resolution for observing distant radio sources. Notably, a landmark paper he led demonstrated apparent superluminal motion of radio sources, attributed to relativistic effects aligned with Earth.

As emphasized by Haystack Director Phil Erickson, “Alan’s personality and enthusiasm were infectious, and his work represented the best ideals of the Haystack and MIT research enterprise — innovative, curious, and exploring the frontiers of basic and applied science and technology.”

Whitney’s extensive efforts in VLBI included traveling globally with complex equipment, troubleshooting sensitive instruments, and developing software for early mainframe computers. By the early 1980s, the Mark III recording and correlation systems he helped develop became standard in VLBI technology, fostering collaboration within the global VLBI community.

Legacy and Innovations

Whitney’s influence extended beyond the initial stages of VLBI. He played a key role in transitioning to disk-based recording systems, which facilitated widespread adoption of Haystack’s technology. His work led to the development of the Mark V systems, optimized for commercial use, which further consolidated Haystack’s leadership in the field.

In the later part of his career, Whitney continued to push technological boundaries with the introduction of the Mark 6 (Mk6) recording system. This advancement enabled faster recording speeds and greater sensitivity, contributing to the creation of the Event Horizon Telescope. This project famously produced the first image of a black hole’s shadow, underscoring the profound impact of Whitney’s work in modern astrophysics.

Whitney also contributed to various projects outside of VLBI, including serving as interim director of Haystack and leading the development of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in Australia. His involvement in the MWA project, aimed at studying the early universe, reflects his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Until his retirement in 2012, Whitney remained an integral part of the Haystack Observatory, providing invaluable insights and guidance. His contributions were recognized in 2020 when he shared the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics awarded to the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration.

Alan Whitney’s legacy as a pioneering technologist and dedicated researcher will be felt for years to come. His ability to innovate and inspire generations of scientists and engineers at Haystack and beyond has left an indelible mark on the field of radio astronomy. He will be remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his clarity of thought and friendly demeanor, qualities that endeared him to colleagues and students alike.