Future plans for astronomy at Dome Fuji

• Published in: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
• Main Author: Ichikawa, Takashi
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2009
• Subjects: Astronomy and Astrophysics; Space and Planetary Science; Dome Fuji; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1743921310010835; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1743921310010835

Abstract In Antarctica the cold and dry air is expected to provide the best observing conditions on the Earth for astronomical observations from the infra-red to the sub-millimetre. To utilise these advantages of Antarctica, we have devised a plan to construct an astronomical observatory at Dome Fuji, which is located in inland Antarctica. For pilot research and site testing at Dome Fuji, we have developed 40 cm infrared and 30 cm THz telescopes, which are durable for the harsh environment of inland Antarctica. As our project for astronomical research at Dome Fuji is approved for the 3-year program of NIPR, we will start the site testing and pilot research for astronomy at Dome Fuji from 2010.