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Future of Astronomy

Future of Astronomy. Astronomy 315 Professor Lee Carkner Lecture 25. The Future of Astronomy. What would we like to understand better? Formation of initial galaxies Properties and numbers of extrasolar planets Formation and evolution of black holes. Problems and Solutions.

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Future of Astronomy

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  1. Future of Astronomy Astronomy 315 Professor Lee Carkner Lecture 25

  2. The Future of Astronomy • What would we like to understand better? • Formation of initial galaxies • Properties and numbers of extrasolar planets • Formation and evolution of black holes

  3. Problems and Solutions • We want to study fainter objects • We want better detail • We want to study a broad range of astrophysical phenomena • Use multiwavelength telescopes

  4. Future Observatories • While much science is done with small and common instruments, there are several large and expensive new projects that we hope will lead to big breakthroughs • Webb Space Telescope • A Giant Segmented Mirror Telescope

  5. Webb Space Telescope • Large infrared space observatory • Do the equivalent of Hubble Deep Fields over the entire sky • Both strong IR emitters • Cost:

  6. Webb Format • Cheap means light (avoid shuttle launch or multiple launch) • Mirror size: 6.5 meters • To get large mirror to fit in small launch vehicle, mirror folds up

  7. Webb Consequences • Two big issues with future astronomy missions: • Budgets are shrinking • “The telescope that ate astronomy” • One super mission that can achieve big breakthroughs • Most future missions have been canceled

  8. Astro-H • Will get a better name after successful launch • Designed to view “hard” (high energy) X-rays • Study hot diffuse gas • Other nations contributing (including US), but mostly a modest Japanese mission

  9. ATHENA • Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics • Arises out of international collaboration failure of IXO • To be launched 2021?

  10. Telescope Properties • The light gathering power of a telescope depends on its area Area = pr2 • The resolution of a telescope depends on its diameter (d) and the wavelength (l) of light observed qR = (1.22 l) / d • Determines how close two objects can be and still be resolved (smaller qR is better)

  11. Future Ground Based Telescopes • Larger size means spectroscopy and imaging of fainter objects • Extremely Large Telescopes

  12. Current Plans • Planned to be operational in 2018 • The ESO has plans for the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) of 42 meters • Also planned for 2018 • Each will cost about 1 billion dollars

  13. Extremely Large Telescopes • Success of large telescopes depends on adaptive optics • ELT’s would complement space telescopes • For follow up observations that require greater sensitivity

  14. Telescope Trends • Need to consider cost/benefit ratio

  15. Next Time • Meet in planetarium • No homework or downloads

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