Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #164: Canadian Large Adaptive Reflector (CLAR) North & South  (CLAR-N/S)

Outline
We propose to build the largest telescopes in the world: CLAR-N and CLAR-S. These two radio telescopes are innovative in design, of order 300 - 350 m in diameter, and promise to yield exciting, break-through science. The northern telescope would be ideal for surveys of a cosmological nature and the southern telescope would focus on objects in the Milky Way such as pulsars. Only the northern telescope would fall within the mandate of the IPY, but we present them here together since the southern telescope is integral to our overall plan. This proposal is part of an international initiative to develop the technology required to construct a giant radio telescope with a total collecting area of one million square metres -- the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), constituting a giant leap in sensitivity over existing telescopes. From the outset, Canada has been an initiator and key player in this project, from technical design to high impact science. In 2000, a memorandum of understanding was signed by eleven countries, including Canada, each of which is now in a competition for the best design. Canada's proposal (see our web page at http://www.clar.ca for a visualization) promises to provide the breakthrough technology to enable construction of a future SKA. At a recent international meeting, it was clear that our design is best able to meet the "Level 0" (i.e. highest impact) science goals. The project is now in an advanced design phase and a very crucial phase of development since it must now construct and perfect a working prototype. The international community has come to realize that the prototypes can themselves be `pathfinder' telescopes, capable of doing exciting precursor science. The science case for a pathfinder CLAR has now been well-developed (see science document on web page). Arguments for a northern location may include: a) the Canadian north is virtually free of radio frequency interference, b) a more transparent ionosphere (especially for lower frequencies, though variability could be an issue), c) slower drift rates for astronomical observations, d) a potentially steeper atmospheric pressure gradient for the aerostat, and e) lower water vapour content (especially for future higher frequencies). These issues would have to be more fully explored for the full IPY proposal. (We also note that the Onsala Radio Telescope, at 57 degrees N latitude in Sweden, has been operating successfully for more than 30 years.) Continuation of the development of the Canadian concept has been strongly endorsed by the Canadian astronomical community (see www.casca.ca and Sect. 2.6) and the timing is right for intensive activity during the IPY. What is now needed is the funding to turn this design into reality.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Significant advances relate directly to the science goals outlined in the science document. The project would leave a legacy of both data, the facilities, and the observing site. Survey science would first be carried out, with data released as soon as scientifically validated. Afterwards, the facility could accept proposals and visits from international astronomers. Young Canadian astronomers can be trained in preparation for SKA and the program can link to Northern Universities and Colleges as well. Astronomy has tremendous potential for outreach which can be facilitated through the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The international aspect of the SKA project has already been outlined. However, there may be a need for international partners which we are investigating now.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
For CLAR-N, a location in the northern provinces may be best since the cost should be lower (roads, infrastructure, etc) and also because of the latitude of the vantage point. (Note that this has not been fully decided.)

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2007 through 2008 for construction       2009 for calibrations/tests.      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
If we build an observatory in (e.g.) northern Alberta, the same infrastructure may support other projects. We are in the process of contacting other project leaders to investigate possible synergies. A "Canadian Polar Observing Station - Observatoire Polaire de Canada (CPOS/OPOC) could support various activities.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes, the project would be a major northern facility. Its lifetime should extend well beyond the IPY timeframe.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
National agency
Other sources of support

The NRC is currently involved in developing Canada's concept for the SKA. The newly formed Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (ACURA) has also been requested to take on the Canadian SKA effort as a project. The operations would likely be a joint NRC-NSERC-ACURA endeavour.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The 1999 report of the NRC-NSERC Long Range Plan (LRP) for Astronomy has strongly endorsed continued development of Canada's concept for the SKA, and its Mid-Term Review (MTR, Nov/04) has reiterated this support (see www.casca.ca). The building of a pathfinder CLAR has been endorsed by the Canadian SKA Science Steering Committee (a subcommittee of CASCA). This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: The polar regions as observatories of the Universe

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?

This is a new project only in the sense that we wish to take the Canadian concept from the 'design-only' or 'proof-of-concept' stage only to a real working telescope, capable of doing cutting-edge science.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Currently, the SKA project is overseen internationally by the International SKA Steering Committee on which Canada has representation. However, the CLAR itself could be managed nationally. There is now a Canadian SKA Science Steering Committee which is overseeing the project. Given the new existence of ACURA (see above), we are in the process of broadening the management to include ACURA, NRC, and CASCA, jointly. The meeting in which ACURA will be presented with the SKA project is taking place during the week that this "Expression of Interest" is due.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
A national telescope is extremely important in training graduate students and this facility would be available for this purpose. In addition, we can see the growth of astronomy-related disciplines at northern universities. For example, currently astronomy is offered at Athabasca University. Astronomers are also experts at outreach programs.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
There will be a large body of data from this project. The modern custom is to release scientifically validated data immediately. It makes most sense to do this through existing channels, such as the Canadian Astronomy Data Center (see cadcwww.dao.nrc.ca). We already have much experience in doing this.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
To date $5.3 M has been spent on the CLAR design ($3.96M from NRC and $1.36M from universities). The total cost of the CLAR-N is estimated to be $50 M. The MTR requests $25 M for SKA over the next 5 years, of which about $10 M is needed for design developments, leaving $15 M for capital for the CLAR (if successful). This means that $35 M is needed from IPY sources.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Judith Irwin
Dept. of Physics, Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 3N6
Canada

Tel: (613) 533-2717
Mobile:
Fax: (613) 533-6463
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information