Astrophysics from Antarctica (IAU S288)

The first ever IAU review on the role of Antarctic-based observatories in current and future astrophysical research.

Michael G. Burton (Edited by), Xiangqun Cui (Edited by), Nicholas F. H. Tothill (Edited by)

9781107033771, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 February 2013

355 pages, 100 b/w illus. 13 colour illus. 20 tables
25.3 x 17.8 x 1.9 cm, 0.78 kg

'Almost every aspect of astronomy is contained within this publication … No matter what field of astronomy one works in there will almost certainly be a paper contained in this book which will have some relevance to you. It is inspirational in that it shows what we, as a species, can achieve when we are allowed to, so even if you have no intention of every becoming a 'Pole-Cap' observer there will probably be something in here to stimulate you.' The Observatory

The remarkable environment of Antarctica offers many advantages for astronomical observations. Over the past two decades this field of scientific endeavour has developed dramatically and Antarctic-based observatories now regularly contribute to front line astrophysical research. This volume presents the Proceedings from the first ever International Astronomical Union Symposium to be held on the subject. After describing our knowledge of the special environment for Antarctic astronomy, it covers the following principal science areas: measuring the cosmic microwave background radiation; neutrino detection; cosmogenic signatures from the ice and atmosphere; submillimetre and terahertz astronomy; and optical and infrared astronomy. Each topic begins with reviews covering the field and the science being undertaken in it, followed by descriptions of the experiments, the telescopes and the results obtained. Another special feature surveys Antarctic stations and the astronomical facilities they contain. The volume concludes by considering the future for astronomical research in Antarctica.

Editorial
1. Review of Antarctic astronomy
2. Astrophysics from Antarctica
3. Understanding the Antarctic environment
4. Cosmic microwave background radiation
5. Neutrinos
6. Cosmogenic signatures from ice and atmosphere
7. Sub-millimetre and terahertz astronomy
8. Optical and infrared astronomy
9. Antarctic stations and their observatories
10. The Arctic analogue
11. Facilities for the future
Summary
Index.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH], Astronomy, space & time [PG], Mathematics & science [P]