ARENA
Sito web: arena.unice.fr
Abstract: ARENA is a European networking activity aimed at fostering optical and infrared astronomy in Antarctica, and primarly ai Dome C CONCORDIA on the Antarctic Plateau. It has been approved by the European Commission for a period of 3 years( 2006-2008) as a Coordination Action of Research Infrastructures Programme. It involves 21 research laboratoires, institutes and industrial partners in 7 European countries( Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and UK) and Australia. The Antarctic Plateau provides unique environmental conditions for astronomical observations. Astronomer are seriously considering Antarctica as a possible site for the construction of a new large observatory mainly dedicated to infrared and very high angular resolution observations to investigate extra-solar planets, the formation and evolution of planets, stars and galaxies, and cosmology. Two member states, Italy and France, have recently completed the all year round operated station CONCORDIA at Dome C, in the heart of Antarctica. The present programme is aimed to structure, reinforce and network severel European laboratories and operators involved or willing to be involved in Antarctic astronomical investigations with the final objective to set up state of the art large instruments and focal plane equipment in the coming decade. The network consists of 4 activities in addidition of the overall management.
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