Science Programs for a 2-m Class Telescope at Dome C, Antarctica: PILOT, the Pathfinder for an International Large Optical Telescope

Abstract

Abstract:The cold, dry, and stable air above the summits of the Antarctic plateau provides the best groundbased observing conditions from optical to sub-millimetre wavelengths to be found on the Earth. Pathfinder for an International Large Optical Telescope (PILOT) is a proposed 2 m telescope, to be built at Dome C in Antarctica, able to exploit these conditions for conducting astronomy at optical and infrared wavelengths. While PILOT is intended as a pathfinder towards the construction of future grand-design facilities, it will also be able to undertake a range of fundamental science investigations in its own right. This paper provides the performance specifications for PILOT, including its instrumentation. It then describes the kinds of projects that it could best conduct. These range from planetary science to the search for other solar systems, from star formation within the Galaxy to the star formation history of the Universe, and from gravitational lensing caused by exo-planets to that produced by the cosmic web of dark matter. PILOT would be particularly powerful for wide-field imaging at infrared wavelengths, achieving near diffraction-limited performance with simple tip-tilt wavefront correction. PILOT would also be capable of near diffraction-limited performance in the optical wavebands, as well be able to open new wavebands for regular ground-based observation, in the mid-IR from 17 to 40 µm and in the sub-millimetre at 200 µm.

Autonomous operations in extreme environments: the AMICA case

“…Limiting our considerations to infrared astronomy, the main advantages are the low background emission and the high atmospheric transmission in wide portions of the infrared region [8,28] . Sky emission is significantly reduced by extreme temperatures (with an annual mean of -55 °C) and the low values of water vapor (RH down to ~10%) and pressure (~640 mbar), leading to consider at least a factor of 10 lower than Mauna Kea in the near and mid infrared bands.…”

Wide Field Astronomy at Dome C: two IR Surveys Complementary to SNAP

“…We assume a 2.5m telescope and Burton et al (2005) background in the NIR+MIR. The temperature of the telescope would be 200K with a 3% emissivity.…”

The Antarctica Wide-field High-resolution Infrared Telescope (WHITE)

“…Quite a number of science topics can take advantage of the WHITE figures. Burton et al 1 reviewed many possible science programmes for a 2 m-class telescope at Dome C. However, we will try to show that three wellfocused key surveys would provide us with the very best and unique science that can be carried out within a few years. Of course, beyond the pure science, such surveys would be very helpful to pre-select interesting targets for JWST and ALMA.…”