A Lunar Liquid Mirror Telescope (LLMT) for deep-field infrared observations near the lunar pole

Roger Angel; Dan Eisenstein; Suresh Sivanandam; Simon P. Worden; Jim Burge; Ermanno Borra; Clément Gosselin; Omar Seddiki; Paul Hickson; Ki Bui Ma; Bernard Foing; Jean-Luc Josset; Simon Thibault; Paul Van Susante

doi:10.1117/12.669994

7 July 2006 A Lunar Liquid Mirror Telescope (LLMT) for deep-field infrared observations near the lunar pole

Roger Angel, Dan Eisenstein, Suresh Sivanandam, Simon P. Worden, Jim Burge, Ermanno Borra, Clément Gosselin, Omar Seddiki, Paul Hickson, Ki Bui Ma, Bernard Foing, Jean-Luc Josset, Simon Thibault, Paul Van Susante

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6265, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter; 62651U (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.669994
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

We have studied the feasibility and scientific potential of a 20 - 100 m aperture astronomical telescope at the lunar pole, with its primary mirror made of spinning liquid at less than 100K. Such a telescope, equipped with imaging and multiplexed spectroscopic instruments for a deep infrared survey, would be revolutionary in its power to study the distant universe, including the formation of the first stars and their assembly into galaxies. The LLMT could be used to follow up discoveries made with the 6 m James Webb Space Telescope, with more detailed images and spectroscopic studies, as well as to detect objects 100 times fainter, such as the first, high-red shift stars in the early universe. Our preliminary analysis based on SMART-1 AMIE images shows ridges and crater rims within 0.5° of the North Pole are illuminated for at least some sun angles during lunar winter. Locations near these points may prove to be ideal for the LLMT. Lunar dust deposited on the optics or in a thin atmosphere could be problematic. An in-situ site survey appears necessary to resolve the dust questions.

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Roger Angel, Dan Eisenstein, Suresh Sivanandam, Simon P. Worden, Jim Burge, Ermanno Borra, Clément Gosselin, Omar Seddiki, Paul Hickson, Ki Bui Ma, Bernard Foing, Jean-Luc Josset, Simon Thibault, and Paul Van Susante "A Lunar Liquid Mirror Telescope (LLMT) for deep-field infrared observations near the lunar pole", Proc. SPIE 6265, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter, 62651U (7 July 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.669994

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