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Theorerical and
Laboratory Astrophysics
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I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The Panel on m eoretical and Laboratory Astrophysics was
given the charge to assess the nature and role of theory
and laboratory experiments in astrophysics, to review the
impact of the Greenstein report (Astronomy and Astro-
physics for the 1970's, National Academy of Sciences,
Washington, D.C., 1972) and the current resources for
research, and to recommend a program for theoretical and
laboratory astrophysics for the next decade.
A. Theoretical Astrophysics
In Section II we first discuss the nature and role of
theory in astrophysics and argue that a strong program
for theory is essential to maintain a unified and vigor-
ous science. We next give a few specific examples of
theoretical accomplishments of the 1970's to illustrate
the ways in which theory contributes to the advance of
astronomical knowledge and go on to present a list of
scientific questions to illustrate the breadth and scope
of the scientific agenda for the coming decade.
We then assess the impact of the Greenstein report and
the current resources for theoretical astrophysics re-
search. We recognize that past theoretical successes are
substantial but believe that the challenge to theorists
259
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260
posed by the present outstanding questions and by the
observations of the coming decade will be greater than
ever before. It is our thesis that the support of theory
has been allowed to decline to a dangerously low level
relative to observational programs and that it is now a
matter of some urgency to redress the balance.
Our recommendations for theoretical astrophysics,
which we discuss in more detail below, are as follows:
1. m e National Aeronautics and Space Administration
should establish a strong, broad program of investment in
theoretical astrophysics research.
2. The National Astronomy Centers should acquire and
maintain a theoretical scientific staff adequate to meet
the demands imposed by their observational programs.
3. A concerted effort should be made to provide
advanced computer technology to theoretical astro-
physicists.
4. The National Science Foundation should establish a
separate program director with responsibility for theo-
retical astrophysics.
5. A network for close communication among theorists
should be supported through summer institutes, workshops,
and scientific visits.
6. The Department of Energy laboratories should main-
tain a continued involvement with theoretical astrophysics
research.
The program recommended here constitutes a substantial
increase in the support of theoretical astrophysics re-
search; yet the required funding is very modest compared
with the cost of new facilities for observational astron-
omy. Therefore, we believe it to be one of the most
effective ways of maintaining the vigor and creativity of
astrophysics through the 1980's and beyond.
B. Laboratory Astrophysics
Laboratory astrophysics is discussed in Section III of
this chapter. The Panel is greatly concerned about the
support of research in the basic physics and chemistry
that is needed for the interpretation of astronomical
observations and for the development of quantitative
theories of astrophysical phenomena. Laboratory studies
of atomic, molecular, and solid-state processes occurring
in astronomical objects constitute an interdisciplinary
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261
area involving physicists and chemists whose researches
are directed largely toward other activities of a funda-
mental or applied nature. m e studies are essential for
progress in many areas of astronomy, but there exists at
present no funding source from which support can be
obtained in sufficient measure to direct the research
toward meeting the needs of astronomy.
Nuclear physics has been recognized more readily as a
critical component of astrophysics, but continued atten-
tion is necessary if the demands of astrophysical theories
are to receive an adequate response.
The impact of elementary-particle physics is a recent
development with the promise of new applications to cos-
mology and to the astrophysics of cataclysmic events.
Solid-state physics, condensed-matter physics, plasma
physics, and fluid mechanics are of growing importance to
astronomy. Some of the most exciting areas of research
will depend heavily on progress in understanding fundamen-
tal aspects of these branches of knowledge. We anticipate
still closer connections with astrophysics in the next
decade, and we believe that astrophysically related plasma
physics, condensed-matter physics and fluid mechanics must
be assured of sustained support if we are to approach an
understanding of the complex events now under observation
and of the phenomena that await discovery.
The recommendations of the Panel in the area of lab-
oratory astrophysics, which are discussed more extensively
at the end of this chapter, are as follows:
1. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
should establish as part of its mission planning the
support for research in the basic physics and chemistry
that is needed for the interpretation of astronomical
observation from space and for the development of
quantitative theories of astrophysical phenomena.
2. Because laboratory astrophysical Processes are
common to a wide range of energy-related researches, the
Department of Energy should continue to recognize labora-
tory astrophysics as an appropriate area for funding
support.
3. The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Astronomy
Division should seek to augment existing research
programs in basic physics to ensure that laboratory
astrophysics is included as a strong component of the
activities. In addition, the NSF Physics Division should
continue support of its programs in laboratory astro-
physics.
Representative terms from entire chapter:
theoretical astrophysics
