Are you Y. Reinert?

Claim your profile

Publications (2)0 Total impact

  • Source
    Article: Site testing for submillimetre astronomy at Dome C, Antarctica
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Over the past few years a major effort has been put into the exploration of potential sites for the deployment of submillimetre astronomical facilities. Amongst the most important sites are Dome C and Dome A on the Antarctic Plateau, and the Chajnantor area in Chile. In this context, we report on measurements of the sky opacity at 200 um over a period of three years at the French-Italian station, Concordia, at Dome C, Antarctica. We also present some solutions to the challenges of operating in the harsh polar environ- ment. Dome C offers exceptional conditions in terms of absolute atmospheric transmission and stability for submillimetre astron- omy. Over the austral winter the PWV exhibits long periods during which it is stable and at a very low level (0.1 to 0.3 mm). Higher values (0.2 to 0.8 mm) of PWV are observed during the short summer period. Based on observations over three years, a transmission of around 50% at 350 um is achieved for 75% of the time. The 200-um window opens with a typical transmission of 10% to 15% for 25% of the time. Dome C is one of the best accessible sites on Earth for submillimetre astronomy. Observations at 350 or 450 {\mu}m are possible all year round, and the 200-um window opens long enough and with a sufficient transparency to be useful. Although the polar environment severely constrains hardware design, a permanent observatory with appropriate technical capabilities is feasible. Because of the very good astronomical conditions, high angular resolution and time series (multi-year) observations at Dome C with a medium size single dish telescope would enable unique studies to be conducted, some of which are not otherwise feasible even from space.
    10/2011;
  • Article: Dome C: the best accessible site on Earth for submillimetre astronomy
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: We present preliminary results of the measurements of sky transparency conducted at Dome C during the winter 2008. Using MOLIERE modeling, we estimate a low precipitable water vapour content above Concordia station, which is very promising for future submillimetre wave observations on the Antarctic Plateau.
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/eas/1040047.