The International Stratospheric Laboratory for Astrophysics (ISLA): The cosmic microscope

Details The International Stratospheric Laboratory for Astrophysics (ISLA): The cosmic microscope The International Stratospheric Laboratory for Astrophysics (ISLA): The cosmic microscope

Dec 1992

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992esasp.354..105s&link_type=abstract

In ESA, Targets for Space-Based Interferometry p 105-110 (SEE N93-31750 12-89)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

1

Airships, Astronomical Observatories, Balloon-Borne Instruments, Spectroscopic Telescopes, Stratosphere, Astronomical Interferometry, Astrophysics, Infrared Radiation, International Cooperation, Remote Control, Submillimeter Waves

Scientific paper

ISLA (International Stratospheric Laboratory for Astrophysics) is proposed as an alternative to space based astronomical observatories. ISLA will be operated remotely at altitudes of about 14 km for extended periods of several weeks, after which it will be maintained and replenished at a mobile ground station. With a seeing less than or equal to 0.1 arcsec in the optical ISLA will permit to obtain diffraction limited telescopic observations for all wavelengths greater than 0.3 micrometers with telescopes of the 4 m class. Due to the extremely low precipitable water vapor content remaining above ISLA infrared and submillimeter observations will be greatly facilitated. The Fried parameter size of several meters at ISLA altitudes compared to 10 cm at good ground sites makes interferometric observations easier by factors of 10,000 to 100,000 for the same signal to noise ratio. Some preliminary technical details are presented. It should become possible in the future to shift many observations from satellite observatories to ISLA, thus reducing the cost of satellites by very significant amounts.

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