We have studied the feasibility and scientific potential of zenith observingliquid mirror telescopes having 20 to 100 m diameters located on the moon. Theywould carry out deep infrared surveys to study the distant universe and followup discoveries made with the 6 m James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), with moredetailed images and spectroscopic studies. They could detect objects 100 timesfainter than JWST, observing the first, high-red shift stars in the earlyuniverse and their assembly into galaxies. We explored the scientificopportunities, key technologies and optimum location of such telescopes. Wehave demonstrated critical technologies. For example, the primary mirror wouldnecessitate a high-reflectivity liquid that does not evaporate in the lunarvacuum and remains liquid at less than 100K: We have made a crucialdemonstration by successfully coating an ionic liquid that has negligible vaporpressure. We also successfully experimented with a liquid mirror spinning on asuperconducting bearing, as will be needed for the cryogenic, vacuumenvironment of the telescope. We have investigated issues related to lunarlocations, concluding that locations within a few km of a pole are ideal fordeep sky cover and long integration times. We have located ridges and craterrims within 0.5 degrees of the North Pole that are illuminated for at leastsome sun angles during lunar winter, providing power and temperature control.We also have identified potential problems, like lunar dust. Issues raised byour preliminary study demand additional in-depth analyses. These issues must befully examined as part of a scientific debate we hope to start with the presentarticle.
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