Astronomical Optical Interferometry from the Lunar Surface

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential of establishing large optical interferometry telescopes on the lunar surface, leveraging recent technological advancements and lunar access developments for high-resolution astrophysics.

Contribution

It highlights the feasibility and advantages of lunar surface optical interferometry, integrating recent progress in lunar access tech and Earth-based interferometry.

Findings

Lunar surface offers significant benefits for optical interferometry.

Recent lunar access technology is rapidly maturing.

Earth-based interferometry has achieved unprecedented resolution.

Abstract

The lunar surface is a compelling location for large, distributed optical facilities, with significant advantages over orbital facilities for high spatial resolution astrophysics. The serious development of mission concepts is timely because of the confluence of multiple compelling factors. Lunar access technology is maturing rapidly, in the form of both US-based crewed and uncrewed landers, as well as international efforts. Associated with this has been a definitive maturation of astronomical optical interferometry technologies at Earth-based facilities over the past three decades, enabling exquisitely sharp views on the universe previously unattainable, though limited at present by the Earth's atmosphere. Importantly, the increasing knowledge and experience base about lunar surface operations indicates it is not just suitable, but highly attractive for lunar telescope arrays.