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MIT Pioneer Alan Whitney, VLBI Innovator, Dies at 81

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Alan Robert Whitney, a prominent researcher at MIT's Haystack Observatory, died on September 28 at age 81.
He advanced very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) technology by leading systems that became field standards.
His innovations included the Mark III and Mark 6 recording systems, enabling projects like the Event Horizon Telescope.
Whitney's leadership inspired colleagues at Haystack and worldwide.
His work in VLBI and geodesy earned him global recognition.

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Story summary

Alan Robert Whitney, a prominent researcher at MIT's Haystack Observatory, died on September 28 at age 81.
He advanced very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) technology by leading systems that became field standards.
His innovations included the Mark III and Mark 6 recording systems, enabling projects like the Event Horizon Telescope.
Whitney's leadership inspired colleagues at Haystack and worldwide.
His work in VLBI and geodesy earned him global recognition.