The Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory (AST/RO)

• Main Authors: Stark, A A, Bally, J, Balm, S P, Bania, T M, Bolatto, A D, Chamberlin, R A, Engargiola, G, Huang, M, Ingalls, J G, Jacobs, K, Jackson, J M, Kooi, J W, Lane, A P, Lo, K Y, Marks, R D, Martin, C L, Mumma, D, Ojha, R P, Schieder, R, Staguhn, J G, Stutzki, J, Walker, C K, Wilson, R W, Wright, G A, Zhang, X, Zimmermann, P, Zimmermann, R E
• Language: English
• Published: 2000
• Subjects: Astrophysics and Astronomy; Antarctic; Austral; Milky Way; South Pole; The Antarctic; Antarc*; South pole
• Online Access: http://cds.cern.ch/record/453083

AST/RO, a 1.7 m diameter telescope for astronomy and aeronomy studies at wavelengths between 200 and 2000 microns, was installed at the South Pole during the 1994-1995 Austral summer. The telescope operates continuously through the Austral winter, and is being used primarily for spectroscopic studies of neutral atomic carbon and carbon monoxide in the interstellar medium of the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds. The South Pole environment is unique among observatory sites for unusually low wind speeds, low absolute humidity, and the consistent clarity of the submillimeter sky. Four heterodyne receivers and three acousto-optical spectrometers are installed. Telescope pointing, focus, and calibration methods as well as the unique working environment and logistical requirements of the South Pole are described.