Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium

• ISBN13: 9780309070317
• ISBN10: 0309070317
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-01-01
• Publisher: Natl Academy Pr

Summary

Humanity has always looked at the heavens in fascination, but we now have the tools to make precise observations. We have begun to seek answers to profound questions about the universe through specific missions, programs, and expenditures. How should we continue this quest?In this new book a distinguished panel makes recommendations for the nation's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including a number of new initiatives for observing the universe. With the goal of optimum value, the recommendations address the role of federal research agencies, allocation of funding, training for scientists, competition and collaboration among space facilities, and much more.The book goes on to identify the most pressing science questions and explains how specific efforts, from the next generation space telescope to theoretical studies, will help reveal the answers.Astronomy has significant impact on science in general as well as on public imagination. The committee discusses how to integrate astronomical discoveries into our education system and our national life. With a bold vision of the future and a practical plan for implementation, this book will be of interest to a wide array of readers.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary	1	(16)
Recommendations	17	(34)
Introduction	18	(3)
Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium	18	(1)
Accomplishments of the 1990s	18	(1)
The Legacy of the Previous Decadal Survey	19	(2)
Approach and Scope	21	(2)
Implementation of the Charge	21	(1)
Purpose and Content of the Two Volumes	22	(1)
Optimizing the Return on the Nation's Investment in Astronomy and Astrophysics	23	(8)
Balancing New Initiatives with the Ongoing Program	24	(2)
Strengthening Ground-Based Astronomy and Astrophysics	26	(2)
Ensuring the Diversity of NASA Missions	28	(1)
Integrating Theory Challenges with New Initiatives	28	(1)
Coordinating Programs Among Federal Agencies	29	(1)
Collaborating with International Partners	30	(1)
New Investments in Astronomy and Astrophysics	31	(16)
Proposed Priorities for Ground- and Space-Based Initiatives	31	(5)
Explanation of New Initiatives	36	(9)
Technology	45	(2)
Astronomy's Role in Education	47	(2)
Notes	49	(2)
The Science Behind the Recommendations	51	(44)
A Vision for Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Century	52	(3)
The Formation and Evolution of Planets	55	(8)
Stars and Stellar Evolution	63	(10)
Star Formation	63	(2)
The Sun	65	(3)
Stellar Metamorphosis	68	(5)
Galaxies	73	(12)
Formation and Evolution of Galaxies	73	(5)
Evolution of the Interstellar Medium in Galaxies	78	(2)
Galactic Nuclei	80	(5)
The Universe	85	(10)
The Evolution of the Universe	86	(2)
The Evolution of Structure in the Universe	88	(3)
Composition of the Universe	91	(4)
The New Initiatives: Building on the Current Program	95	(42)
Introduction	96	(1)
The Ultraviolet, Optical, and Infrared Windows onto the Universe	96	(18)
Large Filled-Aperture Optical and Infrared Telescopes: NGST and GSMT	100	(6)
Optical and Infrared Surveys: LSST	106	(2)
The Telescope System Instrumentation Program---TSIP	108	(1)
Far-Infrared Astronomy from Space: SAFIR	109	(1)
Infrared Interferometry from Space: TPF	110	(3)
Ultraviolet and Optical Astronomy from Space	113	(1)
Solar Astronomy	114	(3)
Ground-Based Solar Astronomy: AST and FASR	114	(2)
Space-Based Solar Astronomy: SDO	116	(1)
The High-Energy Universe	117	(7)
High-Energy Photons: Con-X, GLAST, VERITAS, and EXIST	117	(5)
Gravitational Radiation: LISA	122	(1)
Particle Astrophysics	123	(1)
The Radio Universe	124	(8)
Centimeter-Wavelength Astronomy: EVLA, SKA, and ARISE	125	(3)
Millimeter- and Submillimeter-Wave Astronomy: CARMA and SPST	128	(1)
The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation	129	(2)
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence	131	(1)
The National Virtual Observatory and Other High-Leverage, Small Initiatives	132	(5)
Benefits to the Nation From Astronomy	137	(22)
Introduction	138	(1)
The Role of Astronomy in Public Science Education	138	(8)
The Relevance of Astronomy	139	(1)
Conveying Astronomy to the Public	140	(2)
Astronomy in Precollege Science Education	142	(4)
The Practical Contributions of Astronomy to Society	146	(8)
Antennas, Mirrors, and Telescopes	146	(1)
Sensors, Detectors, and Amplifiers	147	(3)
Spectrometers and Devices to Focus Radiation	150	(1)
Image Reconstruction	151	(1)
Precision Timing and Position Measurements	151	(1)
Data Analysis and Numerical Computation	152	(1)
Earth's Environment and Planetary Survival	153	(1)
Connections Between Astronomy and Other Disciplines	154	(4)
Interactions with Physics	154	(2)
Astronomy and the Computational Sciences	156	(1)
Potential Interactions with the Biological Sciences: Astrobiology	157	(1)
Note	158	(1)
The Role of Astronomy in Education	159	(18)
Introduction	160	(2)
Strategies to Achieve the Four Educational Goals	162	(12)
Communicate Discoveries and Excitement of Science	162	(3)
Expand Outreach to K-12 Students	165	(2)
Improve Science Literacy for Undergraduates	167	(3)
Contribute to a Technically Trained Work Force	170	(3)
Prepare Professional Astronomers	173	(1)
Existing Programs and Future Directions	174	(3)
Policy for Astronomy and Astrophysics	177	(32)
Introduction	178	(1)
Policy Recommendations for the National Science Foundation: Ground-Based Facilities	179	(11)
Recommended New Paradigm	181	(1)
Roles and Responsibilities of National Astronomy Organizations and Independent Observatories	182	(2)
New Procedures and Strategies	184	(6)
National Science Foundation Grants in Astronomy and Astrophysics	190	(3)
Policy Recommendations for NASA: Space-Based Astronomy	193	(2)
Policy Recommendation for the Department of Energy: Astrophysical Research	195	(1)
Environmental Impact on Astronomical Observations	196	(1)
Issues of Professional Development	197	(4)
Postdoctoral Training	198	(1)
NASA's Long-Term Space Astrophysics Program	198	(1)
Women in Astronomy	199	(1)
Minority Scientists in Astronomy	200	(1)
Role of Professional Societies	201	(2)
Congressional Questions	203	(3)
Notes	206	(3)
References	209	(4)
Appendix---Definitions	213	(16)
Index	229