Astronomical optical interferometry from the lunar surface: High sensitivity at sub-miliarcsecond scales
By: G. T. van Belle, T. Boyajian, M. Creech-Eakman, J. Elliott, K. Ennico-Smith, D. Hillsberry, K. Hubbard, T. Ito, S. R. Kulkarni, C. Langford, L. Lee, D. Leisawitz, E. Mamajek, May Martin, T. Matsuo, D. Mawet, J. Monnier, J. Morse, D. Mozurkewich, P. Niles, M. Panning, Lori M. Pigue, A. Sanghi, G. Schaefer, J. Scott, S. B. Shaklan, L. Spencer, A. Tohuvavohu, P. Tuthill, K. Valenta, and J. Wachs
Edited by: G. T. van Belle, S. B. Shaklan, and S. R. Kulkarni
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Abstract
The lunar surface is a compelling opportunity for large, distributed optical facilities, with
significant advantages over orbital facilities for high spatial resolution astrophysics. Serious
development of mission concepts is timely because of the confluence of multiple compelling
factors. First, lunar access technology is maturing rapidly, in the form of both US uncrewed
and crewed landers, as well as international efforts. Accompanying that has been a definitive
maturation of astronomical optical interferometry technologies at Earth-based facilities over
the past three decades – opening exquisitely sharp views on the universe previously unob-
tainable, though limited at present by the Earth’s atmosphere. Importantly, the increasing
knowledge and experience base about lunar surface operations indicates it is not just suitable
but highly attractive for lunar telescopes arrays.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | State or Local Government Series |
| Title | Astronomical optical interferometry from the lunar surface: High sensitivity at sub-miliarcsecond scales |
| DOI | 10.26206/z655j-jqm38 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Keck Institute for Space Studies, California Institute of Technology |
| Contributing office(s) | Astrogeology Science Center |
| Description | 115 p. |