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14
Recommenciations
SPACE PROGRAM
· Cosmology is currently a data-starved science. We need to know
much more about the universe now and at early times. To this end it is
vital to maintain a vigorous program of space observations, such as
that now planned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion (NASA). The Hubble Space Telescope, the Cosmic Background
Explorer, and the Gamma Ray Observatory are current missions of
great interest to cosmology. Looking ahead, both the Advanced X-Ray
Astrophysics Facility and the Space Infrared Telescope Facility will
probe much deeper into the universe in their respective wavelength
bands; important cosmological discoveries are quite likely from these
instruments. Further off, the Large Deployable Rehector may be able
to map the all-important small-scale anisotropy in the 3-K radiation,
and a space arm for the Very-Long-Baseline Array will provide a
fascinating look at details in the cores of radio galaxies.
· Scientific planning and instrumentation development for major
space missions are often based on experiments carried out in balloons
and aircraft, largely supported by NASA's suborbital program. The
relatively low cost and quick turnaround time of these experiments
permits diverse, exploratory research programs and realistic tests of
developing instrumentation, especially new detectors. We urge NASA
108
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RECOMMENDATIONS 109
to consider some enhancement of this productive, cost-effective pro-
gram and to continue its support of ground-based studies in support of
. .
space missions.
GROUND-BASED PROGRAM
· The revolution in cosmology over the past two decades has its
roots in ground-based astronomy. Because of their intrinsic angular
resolution and sensitivity to weak sources, large astronomical instru-
ments such as the Very-Long-Baseline Array and the National New
Technology Telescope (recommended by the Astronomy Survey Com-
mittee) are of central importance to cosmology; we strongly support
these initiatives.
· The very productive U.S. program in astronomy is producing
much of the basic data and many of the ideas underlying our current
cosmological picture. It is essential that support of effective instru-
ments and research programs be, at least, maintained as new initiatives
are implemented. A strong scientific case can be made for increasing
the level of support for U.S. astronomy and astrophysics.
· Several important problems in cosmology require systematic
surveys of the properties and distributions of galaxies. These are
expensive, long-term projects, perhaps best planned and managed by
teams of scientists. We encourage the National Science Foundation
(NSF) to consider how such projects might be organized and sup-
ported.
· We wish to note that the principal recommendation of the Ele-
mentary-Particle Physics Panel, a large new accelerator (the Supercon-
ducting Super Collider), has possible cosmological implications. The
understanding of particle physics at the highest possible energies is
necessary in charting the behavior of the early universe.
HUMAN AND COMPUTATIONAL RESOURCES
· Cosmology is currently done by a diverse group of scientists
including astrophysicists, astronomers, relativists, particle physicists,
nuclear physicists, and plasma physicists. This diversity is good for
cosmology, which must draw from many fields of physics. However, as
interest in the field intensifies, and more cosmology-oriented research
groups form, the need for coordinated funding is becoming apparent.
We encourage the NSF to consider how it might help to solve this
growing problem.
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1 10 COSMOLOGY
· Many problems of great interest to cosmology require sophisti-
cated computer technology; we think of N-body calculations, where N
is large, of nonlinear hydrodynamic calculations, and of efforts to
combine the two. We heartily endorse the NSF's recent initiative to
help university-based groups to gain access to large computational
facilities.
Representative terms from entire chapter:
scientists including
