Science Goals for Antarctic Infrared Telescopes
Michael G. Burton, John W.V. Storey, Michael C.B. Ashley, PASA, 18 (2), in press.
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Conclusions

The Antarctic plateau provides a unique environment for infrared astronomy. Intermediate scale, relatively low cost telescopes could undertake many important scientific programs far more efficiently than other, larger facilities. Furthermore, these Antarctic telescopes would complement in-depth studies planned for the 8m class ground-based telescopes and, eventually, NGST. In particular, wide-field thermal IR imaging from 2.4-30$\mu$m would enable comprehensive studies of the star formation, both of the embedded population and the environment in which it occurs within our galaxy, and when it first appears in proto-galaxies. Subsequent Antarctic facilities might progress to large-scale (8m class) infrared telescopes, but it may prove to be more scientifically rewarding to construct a mid-IR interferometer from an array of 2m class telescopes. An Antarctic infrared interferometer would provide a powerful facility for the study of nearby solar systems, as well as providing a test-bed for future grand-design space-based facilities that are being planned for in the search for another Earth-like planet.

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