This cosmology project will measure the isotropy of cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) that was emitted early in the formation of the universe. The measurements will be made at wavelengths both longer (approximately 3 millimeters) and shorter (less that 1 millimeter) than the peak in the CMBR spectrum. Because these radio waves are strongly absorbed by the atmosphere, especially water vapor, South Pole Station, which is the second driest inhabited place on Earth is the best place to make these measurements (the Soviet Antarctic Station Vostok is slightly colder and drier). In addition, the circumpolar motion of the celestial sky means that any spot in the sky can be watched through a constant thickness of atmosphere for any length of time, which is also a great advantage. To date all measurements of the CMBR have shown the radiation to be isotropic, that is, it comes from all directions with equal intensity. It is clear that this cannot be true at very small variations in intensity nor at all angular scales, any more than the likelihood that the sky would be uniformly bright in visible light. The amount of variation, and angular scale of those variations are sensitive tests of the theories of the creation and early history of the universe. This project is a search for these expected variations.
