KEOPS: Kiloparsec Explorer for Optical Planet Search

F. Vakili (1) , E. Aristidi (1) , E. Fossat (1) , L. Abe (2) , A. Domiciano (1) , A. Belu (1) , A. Agabi (3) , F. X. Schmider (2) , B. Lopez (4) , M. Swain

1 LUAN - Laboratoire Universitaire d'Astrophysique de Nice
2 FIZEAU - Laboratoire Hippolyte Fizeau
3 LAGRANGE - Joseph Louis LAGRANGE
4 OCA - Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur

We present our proposal to develop an imaging optical interferometer at Dome C of Antarctica optimized for both extra-solar planets detection in the thermal infrared and direct astroseismology of nearby stars. The science rationale as well as different steps of technological R&D to make this proposal successful against the adverse conditions of polar nights will be described.

Domaines: Astrophysique [astro-ph]

F. Vakili, E. Aristidi, E. Fossat, L. Abe, A. Domiciano, et al.. KEOPS: Kiloparsec Explorer for Optical Planet Search. SF2A 2003, Jun 2003, Boedeaux, France. ⟨hal-02480086⟩