Some Considerations for Instrumentation for a Lunar-Based Solar Observatory

by Raymond N. Smartt, Natl Optical Astronomy Observatories, Sunspot, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space III

Abstract:

Outstanding problems in solar physics, observational trends and directions of instrumental development in solar astronomy are discussed briefly. These lead to the specification of observational opportunities and corresponding instrumentation for lunar-based solar observing facilities. First and second phases for a lunar-based solar observatory are considered. For phase I, an automated, compact Lyman--?/CIV telescope/coronagraph used principally to monitor flare activity on the solar disk as well as coronal disturbances, is proposed. For phase II, three facilities are proposed: an array of medium-aperture, extremely low-instrumental-scatter telescopes operating from extreme ultraviolet (EUV) through infrared (IR) wavelengths; X-ray, XUV telescopes of high-angular resolution; a hard X-ray, ?-ray facility. Dual-purpose (daytime/nighttime) operation is emphasized.

Subject Headings: Telescopes | X rays | Instrumentation | Space colonies | Moon | Astronomy | Wavelength

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