Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 1980's, Volume 2

Reports of the Panels

Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 9780309033343
eISBN Pdf: 9780309554367
Place of publication: United States
Year of digital publication: 1983
Month: January
Pages: 464
DDC: 520
Language: English

Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 1980's
Copyright
Preface
Contents
1 High-Energy Astrophysics
- I. INTRODUCTION
- II. THE NATURE OF HIGH-ENERGY ASTRONOMY AND THE SCOPE OF THE REPORT
- III. SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDATIONS
  - A. Major Programs
    - 1. Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility
    - 2. Cosmic-Ray Studies
    - 3. Facility-Class Instruments for Solar Astronomy within the Spacelab Program
    - 4. Augmentation of Funding for the Explorer Program
    - 5. Development of Advanced Instrumentation through the Spacelab Program
  - B. Smaller Programs
    - 1. Solar Neutrino Detectors
    - 2. Development and Deployment of Detectors for Gravitational Waves
    - 3. Increased Support for Theoretical High-Energy Astrophysics
    - 4. Support of Rocket and Balloon Programs
    - 5. Support for Air-Shower Studies
- IV. X-RAY ASTRONOMY
  - A. Introduction
  - B. Progress during the 1970's
    - 1. Major Achievements
    - 2. State of Knowledge
      - a. Single Stars
      - b. Close Binary Stars
      - c. Supernova Remnants and the Interstellar Medium
      - d. Normal Galaxies
      - e. Active Galactic Nuclei
      - f. Clusters of Galaxies
      - g. The Extragalactic X-Ray Background
    - 3. State of Instrumentation
  - C. Scientific Goals for the 1980's
    - 1. Low-Luminosity Galactic Sources
    - 2. High-Luminosity Galactic Sources
    - 3. Globular Clusters
    - 4. Supernova Remnants
    - 5. Interstellar Medium
    - 6. Normal Galaxies
    - 7. Active Galactic Nuclei
    - 8. Clusters of Galaxies
    - 9. The X-Ray Background
  - D. Inventory of Present or Approved Resources
  - E. Opportunities and Requirements for Future Programs
    - 1. Large X-Ray Observatories
      - a. Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF)
      - b. Large-Area Modular Array of Reflectors (LAMAR)
      - c. X-Ray Observatory (XRO)
    - 2. Explorer Missions
      - a. X-Ray Timing Explorer (XTE)
      - b. Soft X-Ray Explorer
      - c. X-Ray Spectroscopy
      - d. Analysis of Coronas
    - 3. Long-Duration Balloon Flights
    - 4. Spacelab
      - a. Principal Investigator Experiments
      - b. Multiuser Facilities
    - 5. Sounding Rockets
    - 6. Supporting Research and Technology, Including Balloons
    - 7. Theory and Data Analysis
- V. EXTREME-ULTRAVIOLET ASTRONOMY
  - A. Introduction
  - B. Scientific Goals for the 1980's
    - 1. Stellar Chromospheres, Transition Regions, Coronas, and Flares
    - 2. Cataclysmic Variable Stars and Magnetic White Dwarfs
    - 3. Hot White Dwarfs
    - 4. The Interstellar Medium
  - C. Inventory of Present or Approved Resources
  - D. New Facilities Proposed for the 1980's
  - E. Summary and Recommendations
- VI. GAMMA-RAY ASTRONOMY
  - A. Introduction
  - B. Progress during the 1970's
  - C. Scientific Goals for the 1980's
    - 1. Compact Objects
    - 2. Gamma-Ray Lines from the Products of Nucleosynthesis
    - 3. Gamma-Ray Bursts and Other Transient Phenomena
    - 4. Galactic Gamma-Ray Emission
    - 5. Extragalactic Gamma Rays
  - D. Inventory of Present or Approved Resources
  - E. Comparison of Goals with Present or Approved Resources
  - F. Opportunities and Requirements for New Programs
    - 1. Gamma-Ray Transient Explorer
    - 2. Advanced Gamma-Ray Experiments
    - 3. Ground-Based Instruments for Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Observations
    - 4. Supporting Research and Development
- VII. COSMIC-RAY ASTRONOMY
  - A. Introduction
  - B. Progress during the 1970's
    - 1. Instrumentation and Vehicles
    - 2. Scientific Accomplishments
      - a. Elemental Composition and Energy Spectra (Z up through 28):
      - b. Ultraheavy Nuclei with Z Greater Than 28
      - c. Isotopic Composition
      - d. Cosmic-Ray Electrons and Positrons
  - C. Scientific Goals for the 1980's
    - 1. Isotopic Composition from Hydrogen through Nickel
    - 2. Elemental Composition of the Ultraheavy Nuclei
    - 3. Elemental Composition at High Energies
    - 4. Energy Spectrum of Electrons at High Energies
    - 5. The Composition and Origins of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays
    - 6. Low-Energy Cosmic Rays (<300 MeV/Nucleon) in Interstellar Space
    - 7. Solar-System Cosmic Rays
  - D. Inventory of Present or Approved Resources
    - 1. Small Satellites and Space Probes
    - 2. Large Spacecraft
    - 3. Space Shuttle
    - 4. Balloons
    - 5. Air-Shower Detectors
  - E. Recommendations for the 1980's
    - 1. The Cosmic-Ray Platform
    - 2. Missions outside the Magnetosphere
    - 3. Deep-Space Missions
    - 4. Balloons
    - 5. Air-Shower Observations
- VIII. HIGH-ENERGY SOLAR ASTRONOMY
  - A. Introduction
  - B. Progress during the 1970's
    - 1. General Features of the Solar Atmosphere
    - 2. Transient Events
    - 3. Long-Term Variability
  - C. Scientific Objectives of High-Energy Solar Astronomy
  - D. Inventory of Present or Approved Resources
  - E. Capabilities of Present or Approved Resources
  - F. New Facilities and Programs for the 1980's
    - 1. Shuttle Facilities
    - 2. Solar Coronal Explorer
    - 3. Interplanetary Laboratory (IPL)
    - 4. Advanced Solar Observatory
    - 5. Other Missions and Programs of Significance to Solar Physics
  - G. Summary and Principal Recommendations
- IX. NEUTRINO ASTRONOMY
  - A. Low-Energy Neutrinos
    - 1. Introduction
    - 2. Progress during the 1970's
    - 3. Scientific Goals: Present and Future Programs
    - 4. Research in Other Countries
  - B. Intermediate-Energy Neutrinos
    - 1. Introduction
    - 2. Inventory of Present Resources
    - 3. Scientific Goals and Future Programs
  - C. High-Energy Neutrinos
    - 1. Introduction
    - 2. Present and Future Programs
- X. GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE ASTRONOMY
  - A. Introduction
    - 1. Verify the Existence of Gravitational Waves and Use Them to Test the General Theory of Relativity
    - 2. Harness Gravitational Waves for Observational Astronomy
  - B. Progress during the 1970's
    - 1. Ground-Based Detectors
    - 2. The Earth as a Detector
    - 3. Doppler Tracking of Spacecraft
    - 4. The Binary Pulsar
    - 5. Gravitational-Wave Theory
  - C. Inventory of Present or Approved Resources
  - D. Recommendations for the 1980's
    - 1. Ground-Based Detector Program
    - 2. Space-Based Detectors
    - 3. Theoretical Studies
2 Ultraviolet, Optical, and Infrared Astronomy
- I. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
  - A. Recommendations for Major Initiatives
  - B. Scientific Achievements and Opportunities
- II. HIGHLIGHTS OF ASTRONOMY IN THE 1970'S
  - A. Management, Facilities, and Instrumentation
  - B. Scientific Programs
    - 1. Galactic Astronomy
      - a. Interstellar Medium
      - b. Stellar Astronomy
    - 2. Extragalactic Astronomy
      - a. Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies
      - b. Quasars
      - c. Cosmology
    - 3. Solar Astronomy
      - a. Solar Magnetic Fields
      - b. Coronal Holes and the Solar Wind
      - c. Solar Nonradial Pulsations and Seismology
- III. SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE 1980'S
  - A. Introduction
  - B. Scientific Programs
    - 1. Galactic Astronomy
      - a. Galactic Structure
      - b. Star Formation
      - c. Interstellar Medium
      - d. Emission Nebulas
      - e. Outer Atmospheres of Stars
    - 2. Extragalactic Astronomy
      - a. Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies
      - b. Quasars
      - c. Cosmology
    - 3. Astrometry
      - a. Stellar Census
      - b. Solar-System Model
      - c. Inertial Reference System
    - 4. Solar Physics
- IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE UVOIR PROGRAM FOR THE 1980'S
  - A. Major Recommendations
    - 1. The 15-Meter New Technology Telescope and Closely Related Projects
      - a. The Scientific Impact of the New Technology Telescope
      - b. Technical Considerations for a 15-Meter New Technology Telescope
      - c. The New Technology Telescope: Summary
      - d. Support Telescope Program for the 1980's
    - 2. A Large Deployable Reflector in Space
      - a. Scientific Impact
      - b. Galactic Nuclei and Galactic Structure
      - c. Star Formation and Evolution
      - d. Mass Loss in Stars
      - e. Status of Technology
    - 3. Far-Ultraviolet Spectrograph in Space
    - 4. Advanced Solar Observatory
    - 5. Requirements for Improved Detectors and Instrumentation in the 1980's
      - a. Introduction
      - b. Infrared Spectral Region
      - c. Visual and Near-Infrared Spectral Region
      - d. Ultraviolet Spectral Region
      - e. Computer Support
      - f. Optical Coatings
  - B. Endorsement of Continuing NASA Programs
    - 1. The Space Telescope
      - a. Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
      - b. Refurbishment of ST Instrumentation
    - 2. The NASA Infrared Astronomy Program
      - a. Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility
      - b. Cosmic Background Explorer
    - 3. Solar Optical Telescope
      - a. Heating and Energy Balance in the Solar Atmosphere
      - b. Plasma/Magnetic-Field Interaction in Subarcsecond Structures
      - c. Sunspots
  - C. Recommendations for Other Outstanding Programs and Projects for the 1980's
    - 1. Solar-Physics Program
      - a. Solar Coronal Explorer Satellite
      - b. Solar Interior Dynamics Program
    - 2. Sky Surveys Needed to Support Major Missions
      - a. Infrared Surveys from Space
      - b. Moderate and Wide-Field Imaging in the 1200-10,000-Å Wavelength Region
    - 3. Planetary Observations
      - a. Dedicated Orbital Telescope for Solar-System Studies
      - b. Extrasolar Planetary Detection
    - 4. Observatory Support
    - 5. 2.5-5-Meter Telescope Program
    - 6. Moderate Cost Space Missions
      - a. Astronomy Payloads on Space Shuttle
      - b. Explorer Program
- V. PROJECTIONS INTO THE FUTURE
  - A. Management Considerations
  - B. Instrumentation in the 1990's
  - C. The Direction of Scientific Research in the 1990's
    - 1. Large Gains in Angular Resolution
    - 2. Increased Light-Gathering Power
    - 3. Increased Capability for Study of Objects with Low Surface Brightness
- VI. EPILOGUE
3 Radio Astronomy
- I. INTRODUCTION: SCOPE OF THE REPORT
- II. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
  - A. Highest Priority
  - B. Other Recommendations
  - C. General Recommendations
- III. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDED PROJECTS AND FACILITIES
  - A. Very-Long-Baseline (VLB) Array
  - B. 10-Meter Submillimeter-Wave Telescope
  - C. Space VLBI
    - 1. State of Technological Readiness
    - 2. Elliptic Orbit Studies
    - 3. Cost Estimates
  - D. 100-Meter Telescope
  - E. 10-µm Heterodyne Interferometer
  - F. Steps toward a Submillimeter Telescope in Space
  - G. Solar Radio Astronomy
  - H. A Millimeter-Wave Telescope in the Southern Hemisphere
  - I. Upgrading National Facilities
- IV. SCIENTIFIC PRIORITIES
  - A. Cosmology
  - B. Galaxies
  - C. Quasars and Galactic Nuclei
  - D. Interstellar Matter and Star Formation
  - E. Stars and Pulsars
  - F. The Sun
  - G. The Planets
- V. REFERENCE TO LIST OF RADIO AND RADAR ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORIES
4 Theoretical and Laboratory Astrophysics
- I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
  - A. Theoretical Astrophysics
  - B. Laboratory Astrophysics
- II. THEORETICAL ASTROPHYSICS
  - A. The Nature and Role of Theory in Astrophysics
  - B. Accomplishments of the 1970's
  - C. Scientific Questions for the 1980's
  - D. The Current State of Theoretical Astrophysics
    - 1. The Impact of the Greenstein Report
    - 2. Current Resources for Theoretical Astrophysics
  - E. Recommendations for Theoretical Astrophysics
- III. LABORATORY ASTROPHYSICS
  - A. Atomic and Molecular Physics and Chemistry
  - B. Nuclear Physics
  - C. Elementary-Particle Physics
  - D. Solid-State Physics and Chemistry
  - E. The Physics of Condensed Matter
  - F. Plasma Physics
  - G. Fluid Mechanics
  - H. Recommendations for Laboratory Astrophysics
5 Data Processing and Computational Facilities
- I. INTRODUCTION
- II. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- III. THE TREND TOWARD DECENTRALIZATION
- IV. THEORETICAL COMPUTING
- V. IMAGE PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS
- VI. DATA ARCHIVING
- VII. ASTRONOMICAL DATA BASES
- VIII. TELECOMMUNICATIONS
- IX. SPECIALIZED ARCHITECTURES
- APPENDIX 5.A: THE "CANONICAL" SYSTEM
6 Organization, Education, and Personnel
- I. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
  - A. Maintenance of Scientific Talent
  - B. Other Issues in the Practice of Astronomy
    - 1. Personnel
      - a. Minorities
      - b. Women in Astronomy
      - c. Dual-Career Couples
    - 2. Education
      - d. Public Communication
      - e. Training of Astronomers
      - f. The Astronomical Community
      - g. Small Telescopes
    - 3. Organization
      - h. Classified Data and Technology
      - i. Access to Foreign Space Missions on the Basis of Merit
      - j. Peer Review
      - k. Advice to the National Aeronautics Space Administration and the National Science Foundation
      - l. Private and State Support for Astronomy
      - m. Reduced Administrative Burdens and Multiyear Funding
- II. MAINTENANCE OF SCIENTIFIC TALENT
- III. OTHER ISSUES IN THE PRACTICE OF ASTRONOMY
  - A. Personnel
    - 1. Minorities in Astronomy
    - 2. Women in Astronomy
    - 3. Dual-Career Couples
  - B. Education
    - 4. Public Communication
    - 5. Training of Astronomers
    - 6. The Astronomical Community
    - 7. Small Telescopes
  - C. Organization
    - 8. Classified Data and Technology
    - 9. Access to Foreign Space Missions on the Basis of Merit
    - 10. Peer Review
    - 11. Advice to NASA and NSF
    - 12. Private and State Support
    - 13. Reduced Administrative Burdens and Multiyear Funding
- IV. ASTRONOMY AND THE ASTRONOMERS IN THE 1970'S
  - A. The Astronomical Profession in 1979
  - B. The Astronomical "Pipeline"
  - C. Trends With Time
    - 1. Is There a Job Crisis?
    - 2. The Changing Relationship between Physics and Astronomy
    - 3. What Happens to Those Who Leave Astronomy?
    - 4. Who Pays Astronomers' Salaries?
    - 5. The Future
    - 6. Causes of the Problem
    - 7. Possible Grounds for Optimism
    - 8. Grounds for Pessimism: Possible Markets That Don't Exist
  - D. Research Trends
  - E. International Cooperation
  - F. Astronomical Facilities
  - G. Public Communication
    - 1. Planetaria
    - 2. Magazines
    - 3. Books
    - 4. Media
    - 5. Evening Programs
    - 6. Public Lectures
    - 7. Amateur Activities
  - H. Funding Trends
    - 1. Introduction
    - 2. Astronomy's Competitive Position
    - 3. NASA Funding for Astronomy
    - 4. NSF Funding for Astronomy
- APPENDIX 6.A
  - The Questionnaire
References and Bibliography
Appendix A Abbreviations Used in Text