The Potential Of Near-Infrared Astronomy In Antarctica

• Main Authors: M.G. Burton, D.A. Allen, P.J. McGregor, Mt Stromlo, Siding Springs Observatories
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1992
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.27.7336; http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~mgb/Antbib/anare_melb_mgb.ps.gz

The highest part of the Antarctic Plateau (Dome A) holds the promise of providing a superlative site for near-infrared (IR) astronomy and, in particular, for observations in the 2.27 - 2.45 m waveband. This is a result of the intense cold, which reduces the thermal background by 6 magnitudes compared to a mid-latitude site, the absence of OH airglow emission between these wavelengths and the minimum in the zodiacal emission which occurs in the near-IR. The prospects exist for the darkest site for astronomy at any wavelength, anywhere in the inner solar system. Some possible scientific projects to exploit this potential, particularly deep cosmological surveys, are outlined. 29.1 INTRODUCTION During the past few years it has become increasingly evident that the Antarctic plateau may be the best site on the planet for astronomical observations at infrared (IR), sub-mm and mm wavelengths. This is a result of the combination of high altitude, extreme cold and low water vapour content of t.