session 4

Title

Lunar astrophysics: scientific instrumentation and ancillary systems

type

oral

Description

The return to the Moon will mark human society. A proof of the global interest is that already Artemis has reached 56 signatories, while ILRSCO already counts 12 signatories. Grand science can be both a beneficiary and a business model enabling the lunar economy. The symposium, in accord with the stated mission of the SATC, recognizes the importance of the Moon as a unique platform for astrophysical research in several domains, e.g.: (a) high-sensitivity observations of low-frequency radio waves, facilitating studies of the early universe, cosmic dawn, and galactic magnetic fields, (b) optical and infrared large interferometer arrays supporting exoplanet detection, stellar evolution studies, and galaxy formation research, (c) gravitational wave detection through lunar-based interferometers, impacting research on binary mergers and cosmic events, (d) large cosmic ray observatories enabling the direct measurement of the primary component of the flux. Such experiments need extensive infrastructure and face considerable technological, engineering and logistical challenges which require the tight cooperation between industry and scientists. The symposium will provide a space for the identification of both the scientific challenges, and the technologies which must be developed by industry to meet them, promoting the discussion among scientific and industrial actors as well as decision makers.

IPC members

• Co-Chair: Prof.Dr. Gustavo Medina Tanco, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico;

• Co-Chair: Prof. Pietro Ubertini, INAF, Italy;

• Rapporteur: Dr. Andrew Court, TNO, The Netherlands;