Chinese-Australian Collaboration on AST3 science in Exoplanets, Host-stars and the Solar System

 
 

At a ceremony in Beijing  on the 25th August 2012, Astronomy Australia Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding Antarctic Astronomy with the Division for Basic Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences


The MoU addresses collaboration between Chinese and Australian astronomers in key areas of mutual scientific interest, using data from the Chinese-led Antarctic Schmidt Telescopes (AST3) project and support observations from Australian facilities. The key science areas identified in the MoU are:


  1. •Supernova physics;

  2. •The discovery and characterisation of solar system objects and exo-planets and their parent stars;

  3. •Stellar structure and evolution;

  4. •The physics of the dynamic extragalactic Universe.


 

Background


The MoU is an acknowledgement of the complementary world-leading expertise and resources in astronomy existing in both countries. The aim of the collaboration is to maximise the scientific output from Antarctic astronomy infrastructure investments made by both parties.


AST3 is situated at the Kunlun Station, Dome A, at the highest point of the Antarctic Plateau. Conditions on the Antarctic Plateau are ideal for astronomical observation, with extremely cold, dry and stable atmospheric conditions as well as having very dark skies for long, continuous periods through the year.


Australian astronomers have been involved in activities at Dome A through the University of New South Wales' PLATeau Observatory (PLATO-A), which will be the primary support platform for AST3, and through equipment to characterise the infrared background and cloud cover at Dome A. AAL has funded these activities through the Australian Government NCRIS and EIF grants.


Exoplanets, Host-stars and Solar System Objects


Chris Tinney (UNSW) and Zhou Jilin (Nanjing University) have been identified as co-ordinators for the "Exoplanet and Solar System" theme. We invite interested parties to join the Chinese-Australian Exoplanets and Solar System working group in developing a science plan, forming collaborations and carrying out science using AST3 data in these areas. The Australian co-ordinators for the other themes are

  1. •Supernovae (SNe): Fang Yuan (ANU)

  2. •Variable Stars (VStar): Charles Kuehn (USyd)

  3. •Synoptic Universe (SynU): Ray Norris (CSIRO)



AST3 Exoplanet Collaboration


To stimulate this process a first draft science plan (see below) has been developed - this is a work in progress, and interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit ideas for projects, further details on observational strategies for projects already there, or statements of their expertise so that they can play a role in the exciting science that the AST3 telescopes at Kunlun Station will make possible.


Documents

    AST3 Collaboration - Exoplanets 1.4.pdf

    Appendix AST3 candidates estimation.pdf


Current Working Group Members


  1. Chris Tinney (UNSW) - Australia co-ordinator

  2. Zhou Jilin (Nanjing University) - China co-ordinator


  4. Daniel Bayliss (ANU)

  5. Joao Bento (Macquarie)

  6. Michael Burton (UNSW)

  7. Brad Carter (USQ)

  8. Jonti Horner (UNSW)

  9. Haibin Zhao (PMO)

  10. Hui Zhang (NJU)

  11. Huigen Liu (NJU)

  12. Michael Ireland (Macquarie)

  13. Jiwei Xie (NJU)

  14. Sarah Maddison (Swinburne)

  15. Benjamin Warrington (Macquarie)
    Rob Wittenmyer (UNSW)

  16. Liyoing Zhou(NJU)

  17. Patrick Tisserand (ANU)

















Last Update: 7 November 2012

 

Brian Schmidt (Director, AAL) and Minghua Liu (Director for Basic Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences) sign the MoU, Beijing, 25 August 2012. (Photo Credit: Michael Burton)