Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium

Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee, Board on Physics and Astronomy, Space Studies Board, National Research Council

• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS Introduction Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium Accomplishments of the 1990s The Legacy of the Previous Decadal Survey Approach and Scope Implementation of the Charge Purpose and Content of the Two Volumes Optimizing the Return on the Nation's Investment in Astronomy and Astrophysics Balancing New Initiatives with the Ongoing Program Strengthening Ground-Based Astronomy and Astrophysics Ensuring the Diversity of NASA Missions Integrating Theory Challenges with New Initiatives Coordinating Programs Among Federal Agencies Collaborating with International Partners New Investments in Astronomy and Astrophysics Proposed Priorities for Ground- and Space-Based Initiatives Explanation of New Initiatives Technology Astronomy's Role in Education Notes THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE RECOMMENDATIONS A Vision for Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Century The Formation and Evolution of Planets Stars and Stellar Evolution Star Formation The Sun Stellar Metamorphosis Galaxies Formation and Evolution of Galaxies Evolution of the Interstellar Medium in Galaxies Galactic Nuclei The Universe The Evolution of the Universe The Evolution of Structure in the Universe Composition of the Universe THE NEW INITIATIVES: BUILDING ON THE CURRENT PROGRAM Introduction The Ultraviolet, Optical, and Infrared Windows onto the Universe Large Filled-Aperture Optical and Infrared Telescopes: NGST and GSMT Optical and Infrared Surveys: LSST The Telescope System Instrumentation Program- TSIP Far-Infrared Astronomy from Space: SAFIR Infrared Interferometry from Space: TPF Ultraviolet and Optical Astronomy from Space Solar Astronomy Ground-Based Solar Astronomy: AST and FASR Space-Based Solar Astronomy: SDO The High-Energy Universe High-Energy Photons: Con-X, GLAST, VERITAS, and EXIST Gravitational Radiation: LISA Particle Astrophysics The Radio Universe Centimeter-Wavelength Astronomy: EVLA, SKA, and ARISE Millimeter-and Submillimeter-Wave Astronomy: CARMA and SPST The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence The National Virtual Observatory and Other High-Leverage, Small Initiatives BENEFITS TO THE NATION FROM ASTRONOMY Introduction The Role of Astronomy in Public Science Education The Relevance of Astronomy Conveying Astronomy to the Public Astronomy in Precollege Science Education The Practical Contributions of Astronomy to Society Antennas, Mirrors, and Telescopes Sensors, Detectors, and Amplifiers Spectrometers and Devices to Focus Radiation Image Reconstruction Precision Timing and Position Measurements Data Analysis and Numerical Computation Earth's Environment and Planetary Survival Connections Between Astronomy and Other Disciplines Interactions with Physics Astronomy and the Computational Sciences Potential Interactions with the Biological Sciences: Astrobiology Note THE ROLE OF ASTRONOMY IN EDUCATION Introduction Strategies to Achieve the Four Educational Goals Communicate Discoveries and Excitement of Science Expand Outreach to K-12 Students Improve Science Literacy for Undergraduates Contribute to a Technically Trained Work Force Prepare Professional Astronomers Existing Programs and Future Directions POLICY FOR ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS Introduction Policy Recommendations for the National Science Foundation: Ground-Based Facilities Recommended New Paradigm Roles and Responsibilities of National Astronomy Organizations and Independent Observatories New Procedures and Strategies National Science Foundation Grants in Astronomy and Astrophysics Policy Recommendations for NASA: Space-Based Astronomy Policy Recommendations for the Department of Energy: Astrophysical Research Environmental Impact on Astronomical Observations Issues of Professional Development Postdoctoral Training NASA's Long-Term Space Astrophysics Program Women in Astronomy Minority Scientists in Astronomy Role of Professional Societies Congressional Questions Notes REFERENCES APPENDIX-DEFINITIONS INDEX