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III. SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Major Programs
1. Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility
X-ray astronomy is a vigorous and mature science. Its
results provide critical and unique information about
nearly every subject under active investigation in
astronomy. Millions of Galactic and extragalactic
objects are accessible to x-ray observations with
existing techniques. The Einstein x-ray observatory
(HEAD-2) proved the power of image-forming x-ray tele-
scopes and demonstrated the feasibility of a major
advance in observational x-ray astronomy. We therefore
give highest priority to the construction of a Permanent
orbiting x-raY observatory, the Advanced X-Ray Astral
physics Facility (AXAF), with capabilities on a Par with
the Very Large Array for radio astronomy and Space Tele-
scope for optical/ultraviolet astronomy.
2. Cosmic-RaY Studies
Cosmic rays carry in the details of their composition and
energy spectra unique information about the origin of the
elements, the mechanism of supernova explosions, the
nature of cosmic particle accelerators, and the properties
of the interstellar environment. Progress in detector
technology achieved during the past decade and the avail-
ability of the means for placing very heavy payloads in
orbit now make it feasible to carry out definitive
measurements of the elemental and isotopic abundances and
energy spectra of cosmic-ray nuclei and of the spectra of
electrons and positrons over a broad range of energies.
Therefore we recommend that instruments required to
perform definitive cosmic-raY measurements be developed
and placed in near-Earth orbit for lonq-duration
exposures.
3. Facility-Class Instruments for Solar Astronomy within
the Spacelab Program
Progress in understanding the Sun, the nearest star, is
essential to achieving the goal of understanding stars in
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general. Solar astronomy now requires simultaneous
observations by a variety of instruments covering the
entire electromagnetic spectrum with the highest attain-
able angular, spectral, and temporal resolution. We
therefore recommend the development of facility-class
instruments for solar astronomy in the Spacelab Program
with the aim of incorporating them in an Advanced Solar
Observatory toward the latter part of the 1980's.
4. Augmentation of Funding for the Explorer Program
Important and well-defined problems in observational high-
energy astronomy will remain unsuited to or outside the
capabilities of the projected major facilities and short-
term Shuttle missions. These include a variety of
specialized investigations that require Explorer-class
space missions. We recommend that the funding level of
the Explorer satellite program be augmented to support a
sequence of specialized high-energy astronomy missions at
a rate of one every two Year S and that the Extreme Ultra-
violet and the X-Ray Timing Explorer missions be started
at the earliest possible times.
5. Development of Advanced Instrumentation through the
Spacelab Program
The long-range scientific objectives of x-ray astronomy
require further major improvements in the sensitivity and
precision of measurement. We recommend that advanced
instrumentation for sPectrometrY, nolarimetrY, and
imaging be developed through the Spacelab program with
the ultimate goal of deployment on the Large Area Modular
Array of Reflectors (LAMAR) and the X-Ray Observatory
(XRO) to be constructed as major facilities near the end
of the decade.
B. Smaller Programs
1. Solar Neutrino Detectors
Observations of neutrinos produced in the interior of the
Sun are our only direct source of information about the
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processes of stellar energy generation that are of funda-
mental importance in the structure and evolution of the
Sun and other stars. Recent technological developments
have opened new ways to achieve substantial improvements
in the measurement of solar neutrinos. We therefore
recommend that the ongoing program of solar neutrino
research be adequately supported and, in particular, that
international collaboration on development of a gallium
detector be supported with the aim of placing such a
detector in operation by 1983 or 1984. We also recommend
a continuation of support for efforts directed at the
detection of neutrinos produced in episodes of stellar
collapse.
2. Development and Deployment of Detectors for
Gravitational Waves
The detection of gravitational waves from cosmic events
may be within reach during the 1980's if instruments
currently in development or under consideration are
placed in operation. The detection of gravitational
waves would have profound significance for our under-
standing of gravity and would open a new and unique
channel of information about phenomena in collapsing
stars and galactic nuclei under relativistic conditions
that are inaccessible to other means of observation. We
therefore recommend that strong support be given to the
development and deployment of detector systems for
gravitational waves.
3. Increased Support for Theoretical High-Energy
Astrophysics
Supporting research and technology, analysis of data from
ongoing or recently completed missions, and theoretical
research related to but not necessarily tied to specific
projects are essential components of a productive national
program in high energy astronomy. We urge that these
components be strengthened. We recommend, in Particular,
that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
establish a program for theoretical high-energy astro-
physics at a level of effort that is appropriately
related in scale to the total effort in observational
high-energy astronomy.
Representative terms from entire chapter:
solar astronomy