A lunar based solar observatory - Rationale and concepts

Abstract

The rationale for a lunar solar observatory is described and the requirements for various candidate instruments are developed. The unique characteristics of the lunar surface, its stability, low seismicity, and long unobstructed paths make it an ideal site for a large, high performance optical telescope. The capabilities of such an instrument is used, as an example (1) for the science that might be achieved from the lunar surface, (2) to identify the magnitude of the instrumentation, and (3) to indicate the technologies that must be developed if such an observatory is to become a reality.