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Study of the scientific potential of a three 40 cm Telescopes Interferometer at Dome C

B. Valat·F. X. Schmider·B. Lopez·R. Petrov·M. Vannier·F. Millour·F. Vakili
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Abstract

Recent site testing (see: http://www-luan.unice.fr/Concordiastro/indexantartic.html) has shown that Dome C in Antarctica might have a high potential for stellar interferometry if some solutions related to the surface atmospheric layer are found. A demonstrator interferometer could be envisioned in order to fully qualify the site and prepare the future development of a large array. We analyse the performances of a prototype interferometer for Dome C made with 3 telescopes of 40 cm diameter. It assumes classical Michelson recombination. The most recent atmospheric and environmental conditions measured at Dome C are considered (see K. Agabi "First whole atmosphere night-time seeing measurements at Dome C, Antarctica"). We also study the possible science reachable with such a demonstrator. Especially we evaluate that even such small aperture interferometer could allow the detection and low resolution spectroscopy of the most favourable pegaside planets.

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B. Valat, F. X. Schmider, B. Lopez, R. Petrov, M. Vannier, F. Millour, F. Vakili. 2006-06-15. Study of the scientific potential of a three 40 cm Telescopes Interferometer at Dome C. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.671411

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