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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
06:14
Simulating Imaging of Large Scale Radio Arrays on the Lunar Surface
Published on: July 30, 2020
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Large-scale array for radio astronomy on the farside (LARAF)
Xuelei Chen1,2,3,4, Feng Gao5, Fengquan Wu1,2
1National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China.
Summary
Scientists propose the Lunar Array for Radio Astronomy (LARA) on the Moon's far side. This ultralong wavelength radio astronomy array aims to observe cosmic radio sources with high sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Radio Astronomy
- Lunar Science
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Previous concepts for lunar-based radio astronomy, such as the DSL (Lunar Orbit Array), have been presented.
- The article introduces the Lunar Array for Radio Astronomy (LARAF) concept for surface-based observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the LARAF concept for ultralong wavelength radio astronomy on the lunar far side.
- To outline the potential capabilities and technical considerations for deploying a lunar surface radio array.
Main Methods:
- Proposal for a master station and 20 remote stations with a 10 km maximum baseline.
- Utilizing 12 membrane antenna units per station, connected via power and optical fiber.
- Interferometric observations in the 0.1–50 MHz band during the lunar night, powered by regenerated fuel cells.
Main Results:
- The LARAF array would be deployable via a heavy rocket and rover, taking approximately eight months.
- The proposed array offers sufficient sensitivity for observing numerous celestial radio sources.
- It represents a significant advancement for long-term lunar-based ultralong wavelength radio astronomy.
Conclusions:
- The LARAF concept is a feasible next step for lunar radio astronomy.
- Further discussion covers power supply, data communication, and deployment strategies.
- This work contributes to the future of lunar astronomy.
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