MISTRAL is a new-generation receiver for observations at millimeter wavelengths, built as part of the recent project to upgrade the Sardinia Radio Telescope for the study of the high-frequency radio universe. The main features of this instrument are the very high number of detectors cooled to temperatures close to absolute zero and a dedicated cold optical system, which allow for extremely sharp images. MISTRAL made its “first light” by observing three different celestial objects: the Orion Nebula, the radio lobes of the supermassive black hole in the galaxy M87, and the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A. These images represent the first scientific observations at 90 GHz ever obtained using the SRT. The detector array of MISTRAL has been realized within the long lasting collaboration between CNR-IFN Rome (Dr. G. Pettinari) and the Experimental Cosmology Group at Sapienza University of Rome (lead by Prof. P. de Bernardis)

Official press release and news:

https://www.uniroma1.it/it/notizia/mistral-un-vento-dinnovazione-nelle-osservazioni-di-srt

https://www.media.inaf.it/2025/05/29/mistral-ricevitore-osservazioni-s