spacetoday.net: Decadal study outlines priorities for astronomy

Posted: Sun, Aug 15, 2010, 11:29 AM ET (1529 GMT)
LSST illustration (LSST)

A groundbased telescope under development and a proposed space-based infrared observatory are among the top priorities for astronomy and astrophysics research in the coming decade according to a study released Friday. The decadal study, performed by the National Research Council, identified the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and the highest-priority large groundbased project in the coming decade; the telescope will be able to observe the entire sky from its Chilean site every week to study phenomena ranging from near Earth objects to dark energy. The proposed Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) spacecraft is the highest-priority large space mission for the coming decade, also because of its ability to make scientific contributions in a wide range of topics. The survey also identified other, smaller top priorities for space- and ground-based projects for the coming decade. NASA and other agencies use the survey to guide their decisions on what projects to fund.