A new Expert Group has been established under the auspices of the new Standing Scientific Group on Physical Sciences of SCAR.

 Title:  Antarctic Astronomy and Astrophysics Expert Group (AAA)

 Leader:  John Storey, University of NSW, Australia

 Co-Leader:  Eric Fossat, University of Nice, France

 Supporting Countries: Support for the establishment of this Expert Group has been expressed by delegates from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Ukraine, USA.

 Summary: The Antarctic Astronomy and Astrophysics Expert Group will coordinate efforts to:

• Explore the potential for astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology from Antarctica
• Enhance existing observatories and programs in Antarctica
• Support the development of new facilities

 Scientific rationale:  The Antarctic continent offers unique possibilities for astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology, in many cases allowing measurements to be made that are impossible for any other place on earth.

 Among the unique attributes are:

• The Antarctic plateau is extremely high, dry and cold, allowing observations in new
  • wavelength windows, improving the achievable sensitivity in existing windows
  • The stability of the atmosphere is uniquely favorable for high precision photometry, with important implications for astroseismology and exo-planet studies,
• This same atmospheric stability may allow unrivalled spatial resolution to be achieved by large telescopes,
• The ability to observe sources continuously allows studies of time variability that cannot be performed elsewhere,
• The existence of a pure ice layer several km thick provides unique opportunities for astro-particle physics experiments,
• The geophysical environment is peculiarly suited to cosmic ray astronomy,
• Wind conditions around the Continent facilitate Long Duration Balloon Flights.  This, together with the vastly improved atmospheric transmission at balloon altitudes and the favorable positioning of the sun, allow precise studies of the Cosmic Microwave Background,
• Long Duration Ballooning developed in Antarctica may also be extended to the Arctic,
• Conditions more closely approach those in Space than at any other place on earth, making Antarctica an ideal test-bed for future space missions.

Specific tasks:

• To provide a forum for the exchange of data, and to identify areas in which more data are required,
• To help coordinate international proposals for the construction of new astronomical facilities,
• To explore ways of ensuring that logistic and infrastructure requirements for astronomical projects can be met,
• To oversee the activities of the PASTA Action Group. 

Time-scale:  The AAA Expert Group operated initially for two years (2002-2004). In 2004 the Expert Group reported at the SCAR meeting in Bremen, and will continue to operate until at least the end of 2006. Possible restructuring the group will be discussed at the Hobart SCAR meeting in July 2006.

Resource implications:  The AAA EG relies, for the most part, on National resources. Modest SCAR funding has been used to support a session on Antarctic Astronomy at the IAU General Assembly in July 2003 in Sydney, Australia and attendance at the Bremen SCAR meeting in 2004.

 Last update 02-Dec-2005