200 most important Astronomy topics - Sykalo Eugen 2023
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) Science Requirements Document
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is a large-aperture, wide-field, ground-based telescope that is currently under construction in Chile. Once completed, it will be one of the most powerful astronomical observatories in the world. The LSST Science Requirements Document (SRD) outlines the scientific goals and capabilities of the telescope, as well as the technical requirements necessary to achieve these goals.
Scientific Goals
The LSST SRD identifies four primary science goals for the telescope:
Dark Energy and Dark Matter
One of the primary goals of the LSST is to study dark energy and dark matter. These two phenomena are believed to make up the vast majority of the universe, but their nature and properties are still poorly understood. The LSST will use a variety of techniques, including gravitational lensing and the distribution of galaxies, to study dark matter. It will also use Type Ia supernovae to study the expansion of the universe and the properties of dark energy.
The Transient Universe
The LSST will be capable of observing the entire sky every few nights, which will make it an extremely powerful tool for studying transient astronomical events. These include supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and other short-lived phenomena. By studying these events, astronomers hope to learn more about the physics behind them, as well as the nature of the objects that produce them.
The Solar System
The LSST will also be used to study objects in our own solar system, including asteroids, comets, and Kuiper Belt Objects. By studying these objects, astronomers hope to learn more about the formation and evolution of our solar system.
The Milky Way
Finally, the LSST will be used to study the Milky Way galaxy itself. By mapping the distribution of stars and other objects in our galaxy, astronomers hope to learn more about its structure, formation, and evolution.
Technical Requirements
To achieve these scientific goals, the LSST SRD outlines a number of technical requirements for the telescope. These include:
A Large Aperture
The LSST will have an 8.4-meter primary mirror, which will make it one of the largest telescopes in the world. This large aperture will allow the telescope to collect more light, which will enable it to observe fainter objects.
A Wide Field of View
The LSST will have a field of view of 9.6 square degrees, which is roughly 40 times the size of the full moon. This wide field of view will allow the telescope to observe large areas of the sky at once, which will make it more efficient at surveying the sky.
A Fast Cadence
The LSST will observe each point on the sky roughly every three nights, which will make it an extremely powerful tool for studying transient astronomical events.
High Sensitivity
The LSST will be highly sensitive, which will allow it to observe faint objects. It will also be capable of observing objects across a wide range of wavelengths, from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared.