LSST Science Book, Version 2.0 (0912.0201v1)

Abstract: A survey that can cover the sky in optical bands over wide fields to faint magnitudes with a fast cadence will enable many of the exciting science opportunities of the next decade. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will have an effective aperture of 6.7 meters and an imaging camera with field of view of 9.6 deg^2, and will be devoted to a ten-year imaging survey over 20,000 deg^2 south of +15 deg. Each pointing will be imaged 2000 times with fifteen second exposures in six broad bands from 0.35 to 1.1 microns, to a total point-source depth of r~27.5. The LSST Science Book describes the basic parameters of the LSST hardware, software, and observing plans. The book discusses educational and outreach opportunities, then goes on to describe a broad range of science that LSST will revolutionize: mapping the inner and outer Solar System, stellar populations in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, the structure of the Milky Way disk and halo and other objects in the Local Volume, transient and variable objects both at low and high redshift, and the properties of normal and active galaxies at low and high redshift. It then turns to far-field cosmological topics, exploring properties of supernovae to z~1, strong and weak lensing, the large-scale distribution of galaxies and baryon oscillations, and how these different probes may be combined to constrain cosmological models and the physics of dark energy.

• The paper presents a comprehensive blueprint for the LSST, detailing its innovative survey strategy and technical design to revolutionize astronomical observations.
• The paper outlines robust methodologies including universal cadence, real-time data processing, and precise calibration to explore key phenomena like dark matter and transient events.
• The paper emphasizes community engagement and open-data strategies, empowering collaborative research and expanding our insights into the Universe.

Summary of the LSST Science Book

The "LSST Science Book" provides an extensive blueprint for the scientific goals and methodologies enabled by the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), designed to transform our understanding across multiple domains of astronomy and astrophysics.

Introduction to LSST

The LSST is designed as an all-encompassing survey instrument, aiming to observe vast portions of the sky with unmatched depth and cadence. This approach is aligned with major scientific challenges, such as unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, mapping the Milky Way, and monitoring transient phenomena across the universe.

Survey Strategy and Operations

The LSST will employ a universal cadence strategy, systematically covering the sky and dedicating a portion of its time to deeper fields for enhanced sensitivity to faint objects. Real-time data processing will enable rapid alerts for transient events, facilitating immediate follow-up observations.

Science Drivers

1. Cosmology and Dark Energy: The LSST will conduct precise measurements of cosmic shear from weak lensing, track the distribution and motion of galaxies through baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO), and monitor the evolution of stellar populations in galaxy clusters.
2. Milky Way Structure: LSST's extensive star catalog will offer unprecedented data to paper the distribution, movement, and properties of stars, refining our understanding of Galactic structure and star formation history.
3. Transient and Variable Phenomena: LSST's rapid cadence and wide field enable the discovery and detailed paper of transient objects, like supernovae and optical counterparts to gamma-ray bursts, expanding our ability to probe stellar evolution and catastrophic cosmic events.
4. Solar System Exploration: The telescope will map asteroids and trans-Neptunian objects, offering insights into Solar System formation and evolution. This capability will significantly contribute to planetary defense initiatives by cataloging near-Earth objects with unprecedented accuracy.

Technical Design and Capabilities

The LSST features a three-mirror design on a scale that offers a wide field-of-view, enabling it to produce over 15 terabytes of data nightly. This data richness necessitates sophisticated data management strategies, including robust databases and user-friendly interfaces for the scientific community and the public.

Photometric and Astrometric Calibration

Achieving high precision in photometric and astrometric measurements is central to the mission's success. The LSST will employ innovative calibration strategies, ensuring that derived data and subsequent scientific analysis maintain scientific rigor and reliability.

Community Engagement and Education

Recognizing the survey's transformative potential, the LSST project emphasizes community collaboration, outreach, and education, providing data products and tools to the broader scientific and educational environments.

Future Prospects

While the baseline expectations from LSST are well-defined, there is a strong expectation that unforeseen discoveries will emerge as new data challenges and expands existing models. The magnitude of data and its open accessibility are poised to empower a diverse array of research, driving new technological and theoretical advancements.

In sum, the LSST Science Book outlines a comprehensive scientific vision that is as ambitious as it is detailed, reflecting a dynamic synergy between observational capabilities and forward-thinking scientific inquiry. Through its multifaceted survey, LSST promises to deliver transformative insights into the fabric and evolution of the cosmos.