A Next Generation Deep 2 micron Survey: Reconnoitering the Dark Ages

TL;DR

This paper discusses a new 2 micron sky survey using a 2.5-meter telescope on the Antarctic plateau, aimed at detecting early galaxies from the epoch of reionization for future spectroscopic studies.

Contribution

It proposes a novel survey approach utilizing Antarctic site advantages for deep infrared observations of the early universe.

Findings

Advantages of Antarctic site for infrared surveys

Potential to detect nascent galaxies in reionization epoch

Framework for future spectroscopic followup

Abstract

The next generation 2 micron sky survey should target nascent galaxies in the epoch of reionization for spectroscopic followup on large telescopes. A 2.5 metre telescope at a site on the antarctic plateau has advantages for this purpose and for southern hemisphere infrared surveys generally.