The science case for ELTs

Isobel M. Hook

doi:10.1117/12.566083

7 July 2004 The science case for ELTs

Isobel M. Hook

Proceedings Volume 5382, Second Backaskog Workshop on Extremely Large Telescopes; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.566083
Event: Second Backaskog Workshop on Extremely Large Telescopes, 2003, Backaskog, Sweden

Abstract

Highlights from the science case for an extremely large telescope are presented. As an introduction, theoretical performance gains in terms of FWHM and depth achievable with an ideal ELT working at the diffraction limit are compared with those for current 8m class telescopes. Three example science cases for an ELT are then presented, all of which drive the desired telescope size towards the largest currently being discussed, i.e. up to 100m. The science topics chosen from many are (1) direct detection of extra-solar planets, (2) study of resolved stellar populations in the Virgo cluster and (3) detection of the first luminous sources and re-ionization of the Universe. Finally, work that is currently taking place in Europe towards development of the science case for an ELT is described.

Citation Download Citation

Isobel M. Hook "The science case for ELTs", Proc. SPIE 5382, Second Backaskog Workshop on Extremely Large Telescopes, (7 July 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.566083

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