Astro2020

Astro2020
Name	Astro2020
Full name	Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s
Published	2021
Publisher	National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Discipline	Astronomy, Astrophysics
Preceded by	Astro2010

Astro2020. Officially titled *Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s*, it is the latest decadal survey for astronomy and astrophysics produced by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This comprehensive report, released in 2021, outlines scientific priorities, strategic funding recommendations, and a visionary roadmap for the United States community for the coming decade. It was developed by numerous committees drawing on extensive input from scientists nationwide and serves as a guiding document for agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Overview

The Astro2020 decadal survey process was chaired by astrophysicist Fiona A. Harrison of the California Institute of Technology, with vice chairs Robert C. Kennicutt Jr. of the University of Arizona and Lia Corrales of the University of Michigan. Its primary goal was to identify the most compelling scientific questions and recommend a balanced portfolio of ground- and space-based projects to address them, while considering budget realities and workforce development. The survey emphasizes three foundational pillars: the pursuit of transformative science, the nurturing of a robust and diverse professional community, and the strategic development of enabling technologies. It follows in the tradition of previous influential surveys such as Astro2000 and Astro2010.

Key Science Themes

The report organizes its scientific vision around three broad, interconnected thematic areas designed to guide future discovery. The first, **Worlds and Suns in Context**, focuses on understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems, including our own Solar System, and the potential for life on exoplanets orbiting other stars. The second, **New Messengers and New Physics**, highlights the importance of multi-messenger astronomy, leveraging observations of gravitational waves, neutrinos, and cosmic rays alongside traditional electromagnetic radiation to probe extreme events like neutron star mergers and the nature of dark matter. The third, **Cosmic Ecosystems**, aims to trace the cycles of matter and energy from the epoch of cosmic dawn through the assembly of galaxys and the growth of supermassive black holes at their centers.

Survey of Ground-Based Astronomy

For ground-based observatories, Astro2020 provides a detailed roadmap for the National Science Foundation and international partners. Its top-priority recommendation is the timely completion and full funding of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory (formerly LSST) in Chile. The report also strongly endorses the U.S. role in the construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) as part of the U.S. Extremely Large Telescope Program (US-ELTP). It recommends continued support for facilities like the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), and the expansion of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) network into a global gravitational-wave observatory.

Survey of Space-Based Astronomy

In the space-based domain, Astro2020 presents an ambitious but carefully staged program for NASA. The highest priority for a large strategic mission is the **IR/O/UV Surveyor**, a concept for a large-aperture, cold telescope operating in the infrared, optical, and ultraviolet wavelengths to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope. The report also recommends a new line of **Probe-class** missions, mid-scale projects to address focused science goals, with the first targeting the study of exoplanet atmospheres. It advocates for continued support for flagship missions in development, including the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and for a strong program of smaller Explorers Program missions and research grants.

Technology Development Recommendations

Recognizing that future breakthroughs depend on today's investments, the survey dedicates significant attention to technology development. It calls for a coordinated, cross-agency program to advance critical capabilities for the 2030s and beyond. Key areas identified include advanced optics and detectors for the IR/O/UV Surveyor, technologies for direct imaging of Earth-like planets, and next-generation spectrographs for extremely large telescopes. The report also stresses the need for investments in infrastructure for handling massive datasets from facilities like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and for developing more efficient methods of scientific computing and machine learning applications.

Community and State of the Profession

Astro2020 places unprecedented emphasis on the health, diversity, and sustainability of the astronomical workforce. It recommends concrete actions to improve career pathways for postdoctoral researchers, to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), and to address systemic barriers faced by underrepresented groups. The report urges agencies and institutions to combat harassment and discrimination, to support early-career scientists, and to strengthen public engagement and STEM education. It frames these community-focused recommendations as essential to the field's scientific excellence and long-term vitality, alongside the construction of new telescopes and spacecraft.

Category:Astronomy reports Category:National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Category:2021 in science