Exoplanet detection from Dome C, Antarctica: opportunities and challenges

• Main Authors: C. Aime, F. Vakili, J. S. Lawrence, M. C. B. Ashley, M. G. Burton, J. W. V. Storey
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: telescopes; instrumentation; adaptive optics; atmospheric effects; techniques; Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.158.2964; http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~mcba/pubs/lawrence05.pdf

Abstract. Many methods have been proposed for the detection of exoplanets. The minimum detectable planetary size and mass, and the maximum distance from us at which exoplanets are observable, are determined by both technological and environmental constraints. The unique atmospheric conditions found at Dome C offer significant advantages. Using what is now known about the turbulence profile of the atmosphere above Antarctic plateau sites, we explore the potential these sites offer for detecting exoplanets around nearby stars using various methods.