Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

High Angular Resolution Astronomical Observations from Antarctica  (HARAOA)

Outline
We propose to participate in the validation and operation of an astronomical observatory that is presently being developed at Dome C in Antarctica in the context of an international collaboration (Italian / French Concordia station). Following a call for scientific ideas to justify the construction of a next generation astronomical interferometric facility, a scientific workshop has been organized in Liège, in August 2004 (see the URL : http://www.astro.ulg.ac.be/colloques/2004/meeting2/index.html), by the European Interferometric Initiatives Consortium, whose activities are part of the EU OPTICON network (funded FP6 project). One of the main conclusions of this international workshop has been to further investigate the unique location of Dome C in Antarctica. Indeed, Dome C's site characteristics, as far as they are known today, appear to be of an entirely different class than any other ground-based site : in fact, this site classifies as an intermediate one between space and conventional ground. The site characteristics (transparency, isoplanetism, stability of the atmosphere, area) appear particularly favourable for high angular resolution astronomical observations that include both interferometry and coronagraphy. However, more observations need to be carried out in order to confirm the exceptional atmospheric conditions expected to prevail at Dome C in Antarctica. Dome C operation will be made in a fully international (Antarctica Treaty), politically interesting ("continent of science") context, which will help to gather resources and foster cooperation on a Next Generation Optical Interferometer (Australia, USA, China, Europe). ESA and the EU may have a special interest to contribute to this site. Our participation to this project will be part of the coordinated activities of the Stella Antarctica foundation and could cover activities related to the validation of the site, to the definition of technology roadmaps for the construction of high angular resolution imaging instruments, to the reduction and analysis of the astronomical data that will be collected at Dome C. As a follow up of the definition of a next generation interferometer, the European Interferometric Initiatives Consortium will be organizing in July 2005 (Liège) another international workshop on the "Technology Roadmap for Future Interferometric Facilities". This workshop will take place in the context of JENAM2005 (2005 Joint European and National Astronomical Meeting, see the URL : http://www.astro.ulg.ac.be/RPub/Colloques/JENAM/index.html).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The unique atmospheric conditions prevailing at Dome C in Antarctica should lead to exceptional high angular resolution direct imaging observations in the infra-red spectral region of astronomical targets of utmost scientific importance (cf. exo-planets, black holes, faint IR sources ....). We aim at participating in the demonstration that operating such facilities (coronagraphy, interferometry) at Dome C will be much more attractive (efficiency and cost) in the near future than going to space. The expected scientific results should revolutionize our understanding of the origin and formation of planets around stars, of galaxies, and of life in the Universe.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The proposed activities will take place at Dome C in Antarctica. They will be coordinated in the context of an international collaboration (Stella Antarctica Foundation, Italian-French Concordia station, American, Australian and British teams will also be involved).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Dome C in Antarctica, because of its exceptional atmospheric conditions for high angular resolution astronomical observations.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 01/2005 – 01/2015            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
A small size telescope (1-2m) will be operated to further investigate the astronomical image quality of Dome C. It will also be used to perform a very deep IR survey. Pending on the image quality results, an IR/optical interferometer could be installed and operated within a reasonable time frame.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
If Dome C turns out to be an exceptionally good astronomical site, it could be that the sanctuary of interferometry will be installed and operated there, thus contributing very significantly to the excellence of the observation of the cosmos and to our understanding of the Universe.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
National agency
Own support

See the similar projects proposed by French, Italian, British, American, Australian, ... astronomers.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
As written before, there are on-going astronomical activities at the French-Italian Concordia station located at the Dome C in Antarctica. Efforts are being made at the international level to develop and coordinate the proposed activities.

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?
Expansion

There are on-going astronomical activities at the French-Italian Concordia station located at the Dome C in Antarctica.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Please refer to the Letter of Intent "Astrophysics from the Concordia station" submitted by French Astronomers (IPEV or Fabienne Casoli et al. INSU).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Please refer to the Letter of Intent "Astrophysics from the Concordia station" submitted by French Astronomers (IPEV or Fabienne Casoli et al. INSU).

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Please refer to the Letter of Intent "Astrophysics from the Concordia station" submitted by French Astronomers (IPEV or Fabienne Casoli et al. INSU).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We are part of the European Interferometric Inititatives Consortium, whose activities are part of the EU OPTICON network (funded FP6 project). As written before, we use some of the allocated funds to organize international workshops to define the next generation interferometric facilities and the roadmap to develop the requested technology. Additional funding will be requested to the Belgian National Foundation of Science Research and at the Federal level (Science Policy).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
As the present project is part of the program "Astrophysics from the Concordia station" proposed in France, in a broad international context, please refer to the Letter of Intent "Astrophysics from the Concordia station" submitted by French Astronomers (IPEV or Fabienne Casoli et al. INSU).

PROPOSER DETAILS

Prof Jean Surdej
Institut d'Astrophysique et de Géophysique
Université de Liège
Allée du 6 Août, 17, Bât. B5c, Liège
4000
Belgium

Tel: 32-(0)4-3669783
Mobile: no
Fax: 32-(0)4-3669746
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation