The PLATO Robotic Antarctic observatory design and development program

J. W. V. Storey1*, M. C. B. Ashley1, Y. Augarten1, C. S. Bonner1, M. G. Burton1, L. Bycroft1, J. R. Everett1, J. S. Lawrence2, D. Luong-Van1, S. McDaid1, C. McLaren1 and G. Summers1
1School of Physics, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
2Australian Astronomical Observatory, PO Box 296, Epping NSW 1710, Australia

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Abstract

Because of the remoteness of the Antarctic plateau, robotic observatories provide the ideal way to gather both site-testing and astronomical data. The "PLATO" series of observatories are designed to operate autonomously for a year at a time, supporting not only site-testing instrumentation but also small telescopes and other robotic instruments. The latest version, PLATO-F, is a development of the successful PLATO observatory currently operating at Dome A, Antarctica. Additional PLATOs are also under construction for Dome A and for a new site, Ridge A.

The PLATO Robotic Antarctic observatory
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3


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Keywords : Antarctica – site testing – robotic observatory.