ATNF Science Priorities
Over the period 2010-2015 the ATNF needs to deliver ASKAP, a $100M new facility, restructure its operation to accommodate the new facility, maintain the world-class scientific productivity of its telescopes that are used by astronomers from around the world, and continue to implement Australias strategy of maximising Australian involvement in the SKA.
As part of the process of planning for the move to the operation of four world-class telescopes - the ATCA, Parkes, Mopra and ASKAP - and an expanded Long Baseline Array, we have attempted to identify the likely scientific priorities of the users of those facilities over the period 2010-2015. This is needed to ensure that there is a clear framework against which to test choices and decisions that will have to be made over the next few years.
To prepare the ATNF Science Priorities document a group of ATNF staff have drawn on the input from our user community provided through a series of forums, from the science cases for major ATNF developments, through a web forum and from their own extensive experience. Input received during a Science Priorities roadshow with discussions held around Australia during July 2008 has also been invaluable and has been taken into account in preparing this document. The authors are Lewis Ball, Robert Braun, Philip Edwards, Ilana Feain, George Hobbs, Simon Johnston and Naomi McClure-Griffiths.
Documents
For links to Versions 1 and 2 of the document ATNF Science Priorities: Science in 2010 - 2015 , see Future ATNF Operations: Documents
A number of related documents are available from the ASKAP memo pages. These include:
- Draft ASKAP User Policy (Version 1.2); and
- The initial array configuration for ASKAP.
Science Priorities Discussion Forum
The ATNF encourages constructive feedback on the draft Science Priorities from the broad community of astronomers who use or have an interest in the facilities provided by the ATNF.
A web forum for discussion of the ATNF Science Priorities is available until 28 January 2009.
Alternatively, feedback to any of the authors is welcomed.
Lewis Ball
ATNF Deputy Director