Issue |
EAS Publications Series
Volume 14, 2005
Dome C Astronomy and Astrophysics Meeting
|
|
---|---|---|
Page(s) | 321 - 324 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/eas:2005051 | |
Published online | 05 January 2006 |
M. Giard, F. Casoli and F. Paletou (eds)
EAS Publications Series, 14 (2005) 321-324
Pathfinder for an International Large Optical Telescope
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
Corresponding author: jl@phys.unsw.edu.au
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.
© EAS, EDP Sciences, 2005