Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey
Planning has begun for the next Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey (Decadal Survey). This report will be the next in a series of surveys that are carried out once every 10 years.
The Decadal Surveys are convened by the National Research Council (NRC) of The National Academy of Sciences. This series of Decadal Surveys has provided priorities for the federal investment that has enabled the remarkable success of the field. The Decadal Survey process is organized by the NRC's Board on Physics and Astronomy in cooperation with the Space Studies Board, and with the active involvement of their joint subcommittee, the Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The Astro2010 Decadal Survey is a National Research Council study, and will follow the NRC study process. A description of this process (including how the membership of the committee is selected) can be found here.
Current Status
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The BPA is continuing to solicit input from the community regarding the Astro2010 Survey (see below). The BPA is waiting for the agencies (NASA Astrophysics Division, NSF Astronomy Division, and DOE Office of High Energy Physics) to respond to the funding proposals for the Astro2010 Survey. The study process will not begin until the agencies have acted on the proposals. In particular, the formmulation of a slate of nominees for membership on the new Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee will not begin until that time.
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Upcoming Events
Past Events
- The BPA and SSB held a joint invited session at the AAS meeting in Austin, TX, on Wednesday, January 9th, to answer questions and seek comment on the Astro2010 Survey.
- The BPA submitted proposals for agency support of the Astro2010 Survey to the NASA Astrophysics Division, NSF Astronomy Division, and DOE Office of High Energy Physics.
- The BPA and SSB held a Town Hall Meeting at the April 2007 APS Meeting in Jacksonville, FL, to gather community input from the APS membership, particularly the Astrophysics Division and the Division of Particles and Fields.
- The BPA and SSB held a Town Hall Meeting at the January 2007 AAS Meeting in Seattle, WA, to gather community input from the AAS Membership.
Community Input
In light of current circumstances in the field, the organizing boards are considering whether to recommend some adjustments to the Decadal Survey process. While the NRC welcomes all input on subjects bearing on the Decadal Survey, in particular, we are looking for input on a suite of questions that are actively being considered:
- How should the Survey Committee and Panels effectively gather input from entire community?
- Should the Survey Panels be organized around scientific area, or around investigative technique?
- Should individuals from outside the field be members of the Survey Committee, and in what role?
- How can the next Survey Committee increase the accuracy of its cost estimates?
- How should the Decadal Survey address uncompleted recommendations from previous decadal surveys?
- How should the Survey Committee coordinate with astronomers and astrophysicists internationally?
- What subfields at the boundaries of astronomy and astrophysics should be included in the Decadal Survey?
- How can the Decadal Survey remain flexible as circumstances change throughout a decade?
- Should the Decadal Survey’s recommendations include a prioritization across categories, e.g., space vs. ground, major vs. moderate, etc.?
The Boards would very much appreciate the input of members of the community—please direct your comments to astro2010@nas.edu.
Your comments, name and affiliation may be posted on the BPA Web site for the consideration of the community. Read Community Input Here**
**Disclaimer: The views and comments presented here are in no way a reflection of the views of the Board on Physics and Astronomy, the Space Studies Board, the National Research Council or The National Academies. The comments posted will not necessarily guide the study or be included in a report.
Panel Nominations
The Boards are interested in input from the members of the community on nominations for panel members. To nomination someone please click here to complete this short survey.
Related Information
Information on the last Decadal Survey, the 2001 report of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee (AASC), Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium, can be found here.
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