2m class telescope at Dome C

In the framework of the Italo-French Concordia project to install a permanent base at Dome C in Antarctica, the above cited persons met at Nice in order to promote the construction of a 2m class telescope at Dome C. Taking benefit of the exceptional properties of this site (very dry, very cold, continuous observations, out of auroral corona, low wind, low turbulence, excellent seeing, clear/coronal skies) they propose to select a few scientific topics which are only achievable from such a site. Some participants have already a long experience in Antarctica Astronomy as well as Antarctica site properties, other participants have a deep reflexion about the type of astrophysics which can performed there with a reasonable size telescope. The telescope concept has to fulfil the need for sufficient collecting area, the need for high angular resolution (Adaptive optics), the need for a wide field and at the end to fit within a 20-feet ISO container to be shipped easily to Dome C.

After a brief presentation of each teams, the known properties of Dome C have been exposed. Then the initial 2m class telescope from italian side is detailed, drawn to cope the italian scientific goals. The on going IRAIT was presented as the next step after the site testing campaign will be finished. On the french side, asterosismology and pulsating star physics is exposed, as well as a futur interferometer to detect exo-earths and a project of telescope for large field thermal IR surveys.

During the discussion, a general willing to collaborate within a unique instrumental project clearly emerged in the framework of a consortium managed by a small organizing committee.