The AASTINO: automated astrophysical site testing international observatory

Jon Lawrence, M. C B Ashley, MG Burton, PG Calisse, J. T. Dempsey, J. R. Everett, O. Mather, J. W V Storey, T. Travoullion

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The AASTINO is a remote observatory that was deployed at the Italian/French base Dome C (75 S, 123 E, 3200 m) on the Antarctic plateau in January 2003. It is designed to run throughout the Antarctic winter without intervention, and to collect data on the astronomical qualities of the site: specifically the atmospheric turbulence profile, the infrared sky background, and the submillimetre opacity. The AASTINO represents an important step in the development of this site as a future astronomical observatory, which due to its excellent site qualities has the potential to act as an important technological step towards future space missions such as Darwin and TPF. The AASTINO also demonstrates the use of a unique hybrid power system in Antarctica, and a unique remote control systems architecture.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the conference on towards other earths
Subtitle of host publicationDARWIN/TPF and the search for extrasolar terrestrial planets
EditorsH Lacoste, M. Fridlun, T. Henning
Place of PublicationHeidelberg
PublisherESA PUBLICATIONS DIVISION C/O ESTEC
Pages497-501
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9290928492
Publication statusPublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes
EventConference on Towards Other Earths - DARWIN/TPF and the Search for Extrasolar Terrestrial Planets - Heidelberg, Germany
Duration: 22 Apr 200325 Apr 2003

Publication series

NameESA SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS
PublisherESA PUBLICATIONS DIVISION C/O ESTEC
Volume539
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Conference

ConferenceConference on Towards Other Earths - DARWIN/TPF and the Search for Extrasolar Terrestrial Planets
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityHeidelberg
Period22/04/0325/04/03

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