Submm/FIR astronomy in Antarctica: Potential for a large telescope facility

TL;DR

Dome C in Antarctica offers exceptional conditions for submillimetre and far-infrared astronomy, enabling the development of large telescopes for advanced scientific research in these wavelengths.

Contribution

This paper reviews the potential of Dome C as a site for large submm/FIR telescopes and summarizes current site testing data and scientific opportunities.

Findings

Dome C has high atmospheric transmission in 200-500 micron range.

Site testing shows excellent stability and low sky noise.

Potential for groundbreaking astronomical observations in FIR/submm.

Abstract

Preliminary site testing datasets suggest that Dome C in Antarctica is one of the best sites on Earth for astronomical observations in the 200 to 500 micron regime, i.e. for far-infrared (FIR) and submillimetre (submm) astronomy. We present an overview of potential science cases that could be addressed with a large telescope facility at Dome C. This paper also includes a presentation of the current knowledge about the site characterics in terms of atmospheric transmission, stability, sky noise and polar constraints on telescopes. Current and future site testing campaigns are finally described.