The Antarctic Infrared Observatory AIRO
Abstract
We aim to exploit the unique conditions in Antarctica by establishing a new permanent national facility, the Antarctic Infrared Observatory. AIRO will operate a 1.8-meter telescope optimized for wide-field imaging, queue observing, and standardized data processing in the largely unexplored 2.2 - 5.3 micron waveband. Dome C or the South Pole are both potential sites. The prototype user-facility instrument Abu/SPIREX demonstrated that very sensitive imaging in the thermal infrared can be routinely performed in the Antarctic. Our experience with Abu/SPIREX tells us that infrared astronomy in the Antarctic should be further developed. We therefore plan to establish AIRO and construct a larger, more sensitive, automated 2.2 - 5.6 micron thermal infrared telescope as its first instrument. AIRO will be a true national observatory open to the community via a TAC run by NOAO. The deployment plan calls for 2 years of manufacture, 2 years of testing and system integration at Lowell Observatory's Anderson Mesa site, and finally deployment to Antarctica in the fifth year. Future upgrades will include instruments for wide-field imaging in the mid-infrared, spectroscopy, and polarimetry. The Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica's research and education programs are supported in part by the National Science Foundation under a cooperative agreement, grant number NSF OPP 89-20223.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2001
- Bibcode:
- 2001AAS...19910212J