K-DRIFT: Unveiling New Imagery of the Hidden Universe
Abstract
Low-surface-brightness (LSB) structures play a crucial role in understanding galaxy evolution by providing significant insights into galaxy interactions, the histories of mass assembly, and the distribution of dark matter. Nevertheless, their inherently faint nature, coupled with observational difficulties such as stray light interference and variations in the sky background, has significantly impeded comprehensive studies of LSB features. The KASI Deep Rolling Imaging Fast Telescope (K-DRIFT) project aims to address these observational challenges by developing off-axis freeform three-mirror telescopes and observational strategies specifically designed for LSB imaging surveys. The first generation of the K-DRIFT (K-DRIFT G1) has been successfully completed, and the forthcoming survey, scheduled to commence shortly, is expected to yield novel insights into the LSB universe. This paper outlines the scientific motivations of the project, discusses the technical challenges encountered, highlights the innovative solutions devised, and describes the future trajectory of the K-DRIFT.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2510.22250,
title = {K-DRIFT: Unveiling New Imagery of the Hidden Universe},
author = {Jongwan Ko and Woowon Byun and Kwang-Il Seon and Jihun Kim and Yunjong Kim and Daewook Kim and Seunghyuk Chang and Dohoon Kim and Il Kweon Moon and Hyuksun Kwon and Yeonsik Kim and Kyohoon Ahn and Gayoung Lee and Yongseok Lee and Sangmin Lee and Sang-Mok Cha and Dong-Jin Kim and Kyusu Park and Jaewon Yoo and Jae-Woo Kim and Jihye Shin and Sang-Hyun Chun and Yongmin Yoon and Jaehyun Lee and Kyungwon Chun and Jinsu Rhee and Sungryong Hong and Jongyeob Park and Young-Beom Jeon and Eon-Chang Sung and Hong Soo Park and Seonwoo Kim and GyeongGon Bahk and Seri Yeon},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2510.22250},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
Accepted for publications in JKAS; 14 pages, 9 figures