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Pathfinder for an International Large Optical Telescope

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 January 2006

M. Giard ,
F. Casoli ,
F. Paletou ,
J. S. Lawrence ,
M. G. Burton ,
M. C.B. Ashley  and
J. W.V. Storey
J. S. Lawrence*
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
M. G. Burton
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
M. C.B. Ashley
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
J. W.V. Storey
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
*
jl@phys.unsw.edu.au
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Abstract

PILOT (Pathfinder for an International Large Optical Telescope) is a proposed 2 m class optical/infrared telescope to be sited at Dome C on the Antarctic plateau. Recent site testing results from Dome C have shown remarkable ground level seeing, a large isoplanatic angle, and a long atmospheric coherence time. These factors significantly improve the resolution and increase the capabilities of adaptive optics systems. Additionally, the low sky emission at Dome C gives a significant increase in infrared sensitivity compared to typical mid-latitude sites. PILOT is envisaged as a winterised version of a commercially available 2 m class telescope, with a simple low cost dome (sufficient for the low ground level wind speeds), and a tip-tilt and/or a deformable secondary mirror. A number of science cameras covering the visible to the sub-millimetre are being considered.

Type
Research Article
Information
European Astronomical Society Publications Series , Volume 14: Dome C Astronomy and Astrophysics Meeting , 2005 , pp. 321 - 324
Copyright
© EAS, EDP Sciences, 2005

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