|
Abstract TERAHERTZ ASTRONOMY FROM THE COLDEST PLACE ON EARTH Christopher K. Walker Many atoms and molecules have emission lines that occur at THz
frequencies. These emission lines can be used to probe the conditions
in Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) throughout our galaxy. From studying
the star formation process in GMCs we will gain a better under-standing
of the origin of planetary systems like our own. The high Antarctic
plateau offers unique opportunities for observatories optimized
for this important wavelength regime. A new 0.5-meter observatory,
the High Elevation Antarctic Terahertz Telescope (HEAT), is being
proposed for Dome A in Antarctica. Dome A is the highest (4.1 km),
driest, coldest site on the ice plateau. From its summit, observations
of the astrophysically important 1.46 and 1.9 THz lines from N+
and C+ should be routinely possible. From remote sites such as Dome
A, the next generation of THz instrumentation can be field tested,
providing an invaluable dress rehearsal for future space missions.
|