Документ взят из кэша поисковой машины. Адрес оригинального документа : http://www.atnf.csiro.au/nca/AAOfutureASA0407.pdf Дата изменения: Wed Jul 14 05:06:09 2004 Дата индексирования: Mon Oct 1 21:28:14 2012 Кодировка: Поисковые слова: вечный календарь

The AAO and the Decadal Review for 2006-2015
Matthew Colless 7 July 2004


Fundamentals
· Statement of purpose:
The main purpose of the AAO is to facilitate the best possible science through the provision of world-class optical and infrared observing facilities for British and Australian astronomers. It also takes a leading role in the formulation of long-term plans and strategies for astronomy in both countries and, through its research and development of new instrumentation, to the advancement of astronomy internationally.

Science
­ Excellence ­ Diversity ­ Leadership

Facilities ­ Quality ­ Efficiency ­ Uniqueness

Technology ­ Creative ­ Science-linked ­ Exploitation


"The AAO of the Future"
· "The AAO of the Future" (July 2000) addressed some critical issues:
­ The AAT is a 4m in an 8m+ world (and on an indifferent site). ­ UK and Australian requirements for the AAO are diverging.

· The challenges for the AAO:
­ To continue doing world-class science with the AAT; ­ To satisfy the differing science priorities of the AU and UK communities; ­ To keep the AAT Agreement in force.

· The key elements of the plan:
­ ­ ­ ­ Focus on the unique world-class science that can be done with the AAT/Schmidt. Identify savings of up to 50% in the AAT operational budget, and use these to... Develop instruments for telescopes/programs given high priority by both AU+UK. Operate Schmidt on cost-recovery basis for externally-funded science programs.

· "The AAO of the Future" is (nearly) the AAO of the present - but new challenges are looming...


The new A A T A greement
· New AAT Agreement runs from 2006 to 2010 · The UK share of time is determined by the share of AAO income from PPARC (contribution, grants etc.) · UK contribution halves in 2006-7; again in 2007-8 · Min. UK share is 25% in 2006-7; 12.5% thereafter · If AAO obtains PPARC funds (available competitively) (e.g. for GWFMOS) then UK share could be larger · Opportunity exists to buy `unfunded' AAT nights for specific projects (terms & conditions t.b.d.)


2006-2010: A U and UK diverge
· What are the common goals? Where do the requirements diverge?
· · · AU Needs an on-shore, major-partner, general-purpose observatory? Needs a second major optical/IR instrument and technology centre? Where does the AAO sit in Australian priorities in the coming decade w.r.t. Gemini, an ELT, LOFAR, SKA...? The AAO is the nearest thing Australia has to a national optical observatory how can AAO support Gemini & ELT? · · · · · UK Need for a "survey astronomy" facility? Need for another specialized instrumentation & technology centre? Can AAO add value to higher-priority programs (Gemini, ESO, ELT etc.)? Can AAO instrumentationn program have a future independent of the AAT? Tension between desire to save by cutting back/off AAO funding and perceived value of strategic alliance?

·

· What scientific/instrumental programs and organizational structures will allow the AAO to most effectively meet these different requirements? · This will be a continuing and developing issue for the AAO for the foreseeable future, and subject to ongoing discussion in both communities.


2011-2015: the A ustralian A stronomical Observatory?
· The Decadal Review must include a clear vision for the AAO beyond 2010, recognizing the likelihood that it will be an entirely Australian entity. · Long-view questions for the Decadal Review include...
­ AAO facilities: In what form, with what instruments, and for how long, will the AAT/UKST be valuable to Australia beyond 2010? ­ AAO services: What observatory services are required of the AAO? Operating the AAT/UKST? Operating other national O/IR facilities? ­ AAO technology: How should the AAO's instrumentation and technology programs be developed for the benefit of Australia? ­ AAO identity: If the AAO is to become some form of `Australian Astronomical Observatory', how should it be funded and managed?