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Optical interferometry in Antarctica: a future for European astronomy?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 December 2009

L. Spinoglio ,
N. Epchtein  and
P. Léna
P. Léna*
Affiliation:
Université Paris Diderot & Observatoire de Paris (LESIA), France
*
[email protected]
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Abstract

During the next decade, the European Very Large Telescope Interferometer (vlti) will remain one of the most productive existing optical interferometers. Costly space missions will not soon provide new steps in sensitivity, imaging capability and higher resolution. Hence, although they represent the long term future, it is wise for groud-based interferometry to look beyond the horizon 2020 and to prepare for it, even if large projects mobilize today nearly all available European resources.
The context of the vlti decision, the situation in optical interferometry today and the critical role of site seeing for performances are recalled. Given what is known of Antarctica sites, it appears relevant to pursue their study for interferometric use. Possible steps may be within the European Southern Observatory for seeing studies and independently at Concordia with a modest interferometer (e.g.alladin). It may pave the way for the future of interferometry, to be decided in a decade or so.

Type
Research Article
Information
European Astronomical Society Publications Series , Volume 40: 3rd ARENA Conference: An Astronomical Observatory at CONCORDIA (Dome C, Antarctica) , 2010 , pp. 227 - 233
Copyright
© EAS, EDP Sciences, 2010

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References

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