Astrochemistry and Astrophotonics for an Antarctic Observatory

¹ Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, An der Sternwarte 16, 14482 Potsdam, Germany
² Universität Potsdam, Institut für Chemie, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany

Corresponding author: akelz@aip.de

Abstract

Due to its location and climate, Antarctica offers unique conditions for long-period observations across a broad wavelength regime, where important diagnostic lines for molecules and ions can be found, that are essential to understand the chemical properties of the interstellar medium. In addition to the natural benefits of the site, new technologies, resulting from astrophotonics, may allow miniaturised instruments, that are easier to winterise and advanced filters to further reduce the background in the infrared.