Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory

AST/RO is a 1.7 meter diameter submillimeter-wave telescope that operated at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station between January 1995 and December 2005. Because of its exceptionally cold and dry atmosphere, the South Pole is the best ground-based observatory site for astronomical observations at submillimeter wavelengths. The scientific program was focused on spectroscopic observations of atomic and molecular clouds in the Milky Way and other galaxies. AST/RO invited observing proposals from the astronomical community. Since travel to the South Pole is not possible during Austral winter (Feb.-Oct.), observations on AST/RO were performed by a winterover scientist in residence at South Pole. The AST/RO facility (shown in photo, with the main base and an LC-130 aircraft in the background) was part of CARA: Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica.


Last modified: 1 August 2012
aas@cfa.harvard.edu