[FPSPACE] A cryogenic liquid-mirror telescope on the moon to study the early universe

[LARRY KLAES]

A cryogenic liquid-mirror telescope on the moon to study the early universe

Authors: Roger Angel, Simon P. Worden, Ermanno F. Borra, Daniel J. 
Eisenstein, Bernard Foing, Paul Hickson, Jean-Luc Josset, Ki Bui Ma, Omar 
Seddiki, Suresh Sivanandam, Simon Thibault, Paul van Susante

(Submitted on 13 Jun 2008)

Abstract: We have studied the feasibility and scientific potential of zenith 
observing liquid mirror telescopes having 20 to 100 m diameters located on 
the moon. They would carry out deep infrared surveys to study the distant 
universe and follow up discoveries made with the 6 m James Webb Space 
Telescope (JWST), with more detailed images and spectroscopic studies.

They could detect objects 100 times fainter than JWST, observing the first, 
high-red shift stars in the early universe and their assembly into galaxies. 
We explored the scientific opportunities, key technologies and optimum 
location of such telescopes.

We have demonstrated critical technologies. For example, the primary mirror 
would necessitate a high-reflectivity liquid that does not evaporate in the 
lunar vacuum and remains liquid at less than 100K: We have made a crucial 
demonstration by successfully coating an ionic liquid that has negligible 
vapor pressure. We also successfully experimented with a liquid mirror 
spinning on a superconducting bearing, as will be needed for the cryogenic, 
vacuum environment of the telescope. We have investigated issues related to 
lunar locations, concluding that locations within a few km of a pole are 
ideal for deep sky cover and long integration times.

We have located ridges and crater rims within 0.5 degrees of the North Pole 
that are illuminated for at least some sun angles during lunar winter, 
providing power and temperature control. We also have identified potential 
problems, like lunar dust. Issues raised by our preliminary study demand 
additional in-depth analyses. These issues must be fully examined as part of 
a scientific debate we hope to start with the present article.

Comments:  35 pages, 11 figures. To appear in Astrophysical Journal June 20 
2008

Subjects:  Astrophysics (astro-ph)

Cite as:  arXiv:0806.2241v1 [astro-ph]

Submission history

From: Ermanno F. Borra [view email]

[v1] Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:14:09 GMT (581kb)

http://arxiv.org/abs/0806.2241