Some aspects of science with a 50-m AO telescope

Among the science challenges of the Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs), four object types are studied for performance with a 50 m ELT with adaptive optics (AO), Euro50. Emphasis is on planetary systems and very distant objects. For planetary systems and their evolution, we examine high resolution imaging of the nuclei of comets and high-resolution imaging, photometry and low and intermediate resolution spectroscopy of Kuiper-Belt objects. Imaging of Earth-like planets is discussed. The very high contrast imaging necessary for these purposes is discussed together with the relevant error sources. Finally, photometry and classification of supernovae is discussed and examined. The performance of a 50 m AO ELT is compared to corresponding data obtainable with current VLTs equipped with AO.

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