Artemis-enabled Stellar Imager (AeSI): A Lunar Long-Baseline UV/Optical Imaging Interferometer
Gioia Rau, Kenneth G. Carpenter, Tabetha Boyajian, Michelle, Creech-Eakman, Julianne Foster, Margarita Karovska, David Leisawitz, Jon A., Morse, David Mozurkewich, Sarah Peacock, Noah Petro, Paul Scowen, Breann, Sitarski, Gerard van Belle, Erik Wilkinson

TL;DR
This paper explores the feasibility of constructing a high-resolution UV/optical interferometer on the lunar surface, leveraging Artemis Program infrastructure to advance astronomical observations of stars, black holes, and exoplanets.
Contribution
It revisits lunar interferometer potential in light of Artemis infrastructure, providing a rigorous feasibility study for a lunar-based UV/optical imaging array.
Findings
Initial feasibility assessment completed
Potential for high-resolution astronomical imaging on the Moon
Progress towards a lunar surface interferometer concept
Abstract
NASA's return to the Moon presents unparalleled opportunities to advance high-impact scientific capabilities. At the cutting edge of these possibilities are extremely high-resolution interferometric observations at visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. Such technology can resolve the surfaces of stars, explore the inner accretion disks of nascent stars and black holes, and eventually enable us to observe surface features and weather patterns on nearby exoplanets. We have been awarded Phase 1 support from NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program to explore the feasibility of constructing a high-resolution, long-baseline UV/optical imaging interferometer on the lunar surface, in conjunction with the Artemis Program. A 1996 study comparing interferometers on the Moon versus free-flyers in space concluded that, without pre-existing lunar infrastructure, free-flyers were preferable.…
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Taxonomy
TopicsPlanetary Science and Exploration · Atmospheric Ozone and Climate · Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
