Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

An International Observatory for Sub-millimetric Astrophysical Observations from Antarctica  (ASO: Antarctic Submillimetric Observatory)

Outline
Observation at Far InfraRed and sub-mm wavelengths represent the frontier of present day Astrophysics and Cosmology. Among the themes which can be addressed at these frequencies are : i)Origin and evolution of protogalaxies, ii)The in itial phases of Star Formation, ii)Molecules in space (astrochemistry), iv)Interstellar Medium, v)Spectral distortions of the Cosmic Microwave Background. Due to the typical high atmospheric noise and low transparency, sub-millimeterv observations can be carried out only from sites with very high atmospheric stability and very low precipitable water vapour content. It is now well established that the high Antarctic Plateau (e.g. Dome C, Dome A) provide the best terrestrial astronomical observing conditions across the infrared and sub-millimeterv wavebands, thanks to a combination of cold, dry and tenous air. Compared with any other traditional site, sub-millimeter and Fa InfraRed Observations at wavelengths shortward of about 300 micron experience a considerable increase in transmission and a number of other spectral windows become accessible. The Antarctic Plateau may be the only terrestrial location from which the 30-50 micron Mid InfraRed windows and the Far InfraRed windows at 200 and 225 micron are accessible and stable. Despite the harsh environment telescopes can be built here with a much larger diameter than present orbital and sub-orbital telescopes, at a fraction of the cost. The main goals of this project are: i)to prepare detailed plans for an International Sub-mm facility at Dome C, ii)to develop low-noise detectors and arrays of detectors for the 200-450 micron band.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
1)Advance of knowledge in Astrophysics and Cosmology2)Provide the public with a better description of the Universe and its evolution3)Provide to the Scientific Community practical plans for new, advanced observations in largely unexplored wavelength bands

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
At present the project is carried out on a volunteer basis by a group of researchers based in Italy, UK and Australia

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
All the activities of the present project will be carried on at the home institutions of the researchers involved. No activities in polar regions is expected except for tests of system and detectors prototypes

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Expected logistic and facility supports in Antarctica or in the Arctic are very limited during this phase of the ASO project

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The preliminary results from this project, mainly scientific/technical papers and memoranda , will be made available to national and international bodies for subsequent decisions and ffor providing the funds necessary for the construction of this new state-of –the-art European/International facility

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project has been submitted to the Italian Antarctic Program (PNRA/CSNA) and to the French Italian Steering Committee for Dome Concordia

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 project has been presented to IAU and SCAR meetings and submitted to the Italian Antarctic Program (PNRA/CSNA) and to the Dome C Steering Committee

How will the project be organised and managed?
Teleconferences and workshops will be organized by the project coordinator., to integrate the efforts of the individual participating scientists. Interaction with the Industry and technical progress of the Project will be largelyb determined by the funding provided by national ans international agencies.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Status Reports and Results will be published on a Web site

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
No data files are expected. Only drawings and scientific papers will be made available

How is it proposed to fund the project?
All the participants to the project are expected to search for financial support from their own Research and Polar Organisation. National agencies have already been contacted.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The project is open to participation from every scientist interested and willing to collaborate. Industry is also invited to become an active partner in this project

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr. Luca Olmi
IRA/INAF
Osservatorio di Arcetri
Largo E.Fermi 5, Firenze
50125
Italy

Tel: 39-0552752214
Mobile: no
Fax: 39-55220039
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation