THz Astrophysics from Dome A

• Published in: EAS publications series Vol. 40; pp. 275 - 280
• Main Authors: Tothill, N.F.H., Kulesa, C.A., Walker, C.K., Yang, J., Ashley, M.C.B., Lawrence, J.S., Luong-Van, D., Storey, J.W.V., Yang, H., Zhou, X., Zhu, Z., Bardin, J., Cui, X., Everett, J., Feng, L., Golish, D., Gong, X., Hu, J., Jacobs, K., Jiang, Z., Jones, G., Li, Y., Martin, C.L., McCaughrean, M.J., Qin, W., Schein, M., Shang, Z., Siegel, P., Sun, B., Walsh, W., Wang, L., Weinreb, S., Xu, Z., Yan, J., Yuan, X., Zhang, X.-G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2010
• Subjects: Antarctica, East Antarctica, Dome A
• ISSN: 1633-4760; 1638-1963
• DOI: 10.1051/eas/1040040

The THz spectral region includes a number of important transitions which allow us to trace the evolution of the interstellar medium. Because of the opacity of the atmosphere in this spectral range, the best sites for ground-based THz observations are on the Antarctic Plateau; of these sites, Dome A is expected to be the best. THz survey science can be carried out with small telescopes, easing logistical constraints. By deploying a submillimetre-wave tipper/ telescope to Dome A, we have trialled several technologies for such an instrument, and we are able to test whether the site quality is sufficient for THz surveys.