The Exploration of the ISM from Antarctica

Abstract Antarctica presents a unique environment for the exploration of the interstellar medium. The low column of water vapor opens windows for sub-mm and THz astronomy from ground and sub-orbital observatories while the stable atmosphere holds promise for THz interferometry. Various current and p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Main Author: Wolfire, Mark G.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2012
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1743921312016791
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1743921312016791
Description
Summary:Abstract Antarctica presents a unique environment for the exploration of the interstellar medium. The low column of water vapor opens windows for sub-mm and THz astronomy from ground and sub-orbital observatories while the stable atmosphere holds promise for THz interferometry. Various current and potentially future facilities occupy a niche not available to current space or stratospheric instruments. These allow line and continuum observations addressing key questions in e.g., star formation, galactic evolution, and the life-cycle of interstellar clouds. This review presents scientific questions that can be addressed by the suite of current and future Antarctic observatories.