LMT science
Understanding
the evolution of structure, from the primordial fluctuations in the
CMB to the distribution and morphologies of galaxies in the local Universe, and
the physical processes and efficiencies of star formation at all
epochs are some of the major goals of modern astrophysics.
Millimeter-wavelength observations offer a unique opportunity to
probe the coldest, densest and most-obscured environments in
the Universe which are also often the sites
of the earliest stages of structure formation.
The unprecedented capabilities of the LMT provide excellent sensitivity to point-sources and
low-surface brightness emission, due primarily to ~2000 m
2
of collecting area, the high surface-accuracy of the telescope
and the quality of the Sierra Negra site for astronomical observations
at millimeter wavelengths. The LMT is complemented
by a suite of
state-of-the-art continuum and heterodyne instruments
that will enable the evolution of structure to be traced on a wide-variety of physical
scales and throughout the entire history of the Universe.
Some highlights of the anticipated LMT research are outlined below:
- solar-system planetesimals & planets
- extra-solar protoplanetary-disks
- individual Galactic star-forming regions
- the Galactic nucleus
- local galaxies
- active galactic nuclei
- high-redshift dusty starburst galaxies
- clusters of galaxies and their large-scale distribution.
Detailed discussions of the LMT studies of these science topics are found in the chapters of
the LMT Book.
Scientific Use of the LMT
The
observing time on LMT will be divided approximately equally between UMass
and INAOE.
Opportunity to conduct research using the LMT will become
available to researchers, either through
a collaborative arrangement or through open calls for proposals.
To
accommodate visiting astronomers, both UMass and INAOE anticipate
establishing operations centers in Amherst and Tonantzintla,
respectively. Visitors will interact with UMass and INAOE staff in
order to gain deep understanding of the focal plane instruments, the
available telescope operating modes, and the observing and data
analysis protocols. Remote computer links to the LMT will enable
visiting scientists to "eavesdrop" on their observations and alter
their programs in response to weather, instrument performance, or
unexpected discovery.
As a
result, both UMass and INAOE will become international astronomical
centers, each hosting large numbers of visiting scientists each year.
