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The Scientific Potential for Astronomy from the Antarctic Plateau: A Report prepared by the Australian Working Group for Antarctic Astronomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 April 2016

Michael Burton ,
D. K. Aitken ,
D. A. Allen ,
M. C. B. Ashley ,
M. G. Burton ,
R. D. Cannon ,
B. D. Carter ,
G. S. DaCosta ,
M. A. Dopita  and
M. L. Duldig
...Show all authors
D. K. Aitken
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, University of New South Wales, University College, Australian Defence Force Academy, Campbell, ACT 2601
D. A. Allen
Affiliation:
Anglo-Australian Observatory, Epping Laboratory, PO Box 296, Epping, NSW 2121
M. C. B. Ashley
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052
M. G. Burton
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052
R. D. Cannon
Affiliation:
Anglo-Australian Observatory, Epping Laboratory, PO Box 296, Epping, NSW 2121
B. D. Carter
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052
G. S. DaCosta
Affiliation:
Anglo-Australian Observatory, Epping Laboratory, PO Box 296, Epping, NSW 2121
M. A. Dopita
Affiliation:
Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories, Australian National University, Private Bag, Weston PO, ACT 2611
M. L. Duldig
Affiliation:
Australian Antarctic Division, Physics Department, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252C, Hobart, Tas, 7001
P. G. Edwards
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Mathematical Physics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005
P. E. Gillingham
Affiliation:
California Association for Research in Astronomy W. M. Keck Observatory, PO Box 220, Kamuela, HI 96743, USA
P. J. Hall
Affiliation:
Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO, PO Box 76, Epping, NSW 2121
A. R. Hyland
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052
P. J. McGregor
Affiliation:
Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories, Australian National University, Private Bag, Weston PO, ACT 2611
J. R. Mould
Affiliation:
Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories, Australian National University, Private Bag, Weston PO, ACT 2611
R. P. Norris
Affiliation:
Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO, PO Box 76, Epping, NSW 2121
E. M. Sadler
Affiliation:
Department of Astrophysics, University of Sydney, NSW 2006
C. H. Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, University of New South Wales, University College, Australian Defence Force Academy, Campbell, ACT 2601
J. Spyromilio
Affiliation:
Anglo-Australian Observatory, Epping Laboratory, PO Box 296, Epping, NSW 2121
J. W. V. Storey
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052
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Extract

Our knowledge of the universe comes from recording the photon and particle fluxes incident on the Earth from space. We thus require sensitive measurement across the entire energy spectrum, using large telescopes with efficient instrumentation located on superb sites. Technological advances and engineering constraints are nearing the point where we are recording as many photons arriving at a site as is possible. Major advances in the future will come from improving the quality of the site. The ultimate site is, of course, beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, such as on the Moon, but economic limitations prevent our exploiting this avenue to the degree that the scientific community desires. Here we describe an alternative, which offers many of the advantages of space for a fraction of the cost: the Antarctic Plateau.

Type
Invited
Information
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia , Volume 11 , Issue 2 , August 1994 , pp. 127 - 150
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 1994

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