SDSS-V: Pioneering Panoptic Spectroscopy (1711.03234v1)

Abstract: SDSS-V will be an all-sky, multi-epoch spectroscopic survey of over six million objects. It is designed to decode the history of the Milky Way, trace the emergence of the chemical elements, reveal the inner workings of stars, and investigate the origin of planets. It will also create an integral-field spectroscopic map of the gas in the Galaxy and the Local Group that is 1,000x larger than the current state of the art and at high enough spatial resolution to reveal the self-regulation mechanisms of galactic ecosystems. SDSS-V will pioneer systematic, spectroscopic monitoring across the whole sky, revealing changes on timescales from 20 minutes to 20 years. The survey will thus track the flickers, flares, and radical transformations of the most luminous persistent objects in the universe: massive black holes growing at the centers of galaxies. The scope and flexibility of SDSS-V will be unique among extant and future spectroscopic surveys: it is all-sky, with matched survey infrastructures in both hemispheres; it provides near-IR and optical multi-object fiber spectroscopy that is rapidly reconfigurable to serve high target densities, targets of opportunity, and time-domain monitoring; and it provides optical, ultra-wide-field integral field spectroscopy. SDSS-V, with its programs anticipated to start in 2020, will be well-timed to multiply the scientific output from major space missions (e.g., TESS, Gaia, eROSITA) and ground-based projects. SDSS-V builds on the 25-year heritage of SDSS's advances in data analysis, collaboration infrastructure, and product deliverables. The project is now refining its science scope, optimizing the survey strategies, and developing new hardware that builds on the SDSS-IV infrastructure. We present here an overview of the current state of these developments as we seek to build our worldwide consortium of institutional and individual members.

SDSS-V: Pioneering Panoptic Spectroscopy

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey V (SDSS-V) represents an ambitious move towards comprehensive, all-sky, multi-epoch spectroscopic surveys, which aim to address some of the most fundamental questions in astrophysics. As a continuation of the SDSS legacy, this endeavor is designed to examine the formation and evolution of stars, the Milky Way Galaxy, and the emergence of elements on a scale previously unattainable.

Key Facets and Objectives

The SDSS-V project aims to observe over six million objects through its unique panoptic spectroscopic approach. This survey seeks to reveal intricate details about the Milky Way, from its chemical composition to its dynamic mechanisms. By providing integral-field spectroscopic maps that significantly surpass current capabilities, SDSS-V will analyze galactic ecosystems with unprecedented spatial resolution. The survey is structured into three main programs: the Milky Way Mapper, Black Hole Mapper, and Local Volume Mapper, each targeting specific scientific goals.

Strong Numerical Results and Bold Claims

SDSS-V's Milky Way Mapper promises a comprehensive Galactic census, capturing detailed spectra of over five million stars with a robust focus on the dusty midplane where most stars reside. This mapper is expected to track evolutionary narratives through the ages, orbits, and chemical compositions of stars. In terms of hardware capabilities, the Black Hole Mapper program will track changes in active galactic nuclei (AGN), probing black hole growth over periods from minutes to years with data from 400,000 X-ray sources.

A striking claim of SDSS-V is the intention to provide spectroscopic monitoring that matches significant space missions like TESS and Gaia, thereby maximizing the scientific yield when combined with these endeavors. Additionally, the Local Volume Mapper aims to survey optical emissions and gas-phase properties across 3000 square degrees, substantially enhancing our understanding of ISM dynamics and feedback processes.

Practical and Theoretical Implications

From a practical standpoint, SDSS-V's capacity to offer systematic, all-sky monitoring could transform our ability to track variable astrophysical phenomena. The large-scale data it provides might refine theoretical models of stellar evolution and galaxy formation, offering insights into processes like hierarchical accretion and radial migration.

Theoretically, this project can elucidate the complex interplay between stars and the surrounding ISM, helping to validate and enhance simulations of galaxy dynamics. The combination of multi-wavelength observations with SDSS-V's extensive datasets will further theoretical models of AGN activity and the interaction of massive black holes with their host galaxies.

Future Directions

SDSS-V's approach pushes the boundaries of what is possible with panoptic spectroscopy, setting the stage for future developments that could incorporate even more advanced instrumentation and wider spectral ranges. As astronomical technology progresses, the concepts established by SDSS-V will likely inspire further large-scale spectroscopic projects, perhaps laying groundwork towards a spectroscopic counterpart to initiatives like LSST.

In conclusion, SDSS-V is poised to be an influential force in shaping the contemporary understanding of astrophysical phenomena. By leveraging all-sky, multi-epoch spectroscopy, it could provide unparalleled insights that will influence both the scientific community and the direction of future astronomical surveys.