Astronomical Research with liquid mirror telescopes

Abstract

I discuss the modalities of zenith observing with LMTs, their limitations and advantages. The main limitation comes from the relatively small regions of the sky that LMTs can access. The main advantage comes from low cost, for inexpensive large LMTs can be dedicated to very specialized goals. Large surveys, cosmological studies, variability studies are prime examples of astronomical research where LMTs can have a major impact. I examine the performance of a 4-m telescope equipped with wide band filters and its use for astronomical research. The data could be used to select targets for the VLT. I examine the usage of the data for variability studies and, in particular, for a supernova search.