meetingsandtelecons:april24.08 [PPPDT Wiki]

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
==== Discussion Topics for Telecon of April 24, 2008 ====

  * CMB Special Session 
  * Discussion of Strategy Statement

=== CMB Special Session ===

  * January 4-8, 2009 meeting of AAS; San Diego, CA.
  * Al Kogut agrees to chair a sub-committee that will propose a CMB special session.

=== New Draft Strategy Statement ===

The polarization of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) contains a wealth of information about the physics of the early universe, the growth of structures, and properties of the fudamental particles of physics. Much of this information is accessible only through detailed mapping of the CMB polarization. A polarization map of the galaxy at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths also contains information about properties of galactic dust, sources of synchrotron radiation, and magnetic field strength and structure, all of which are of strong interest for the astrophysical 
community. 

We believe that the most effective way to probe the abundant cosmological and astrophysical information that is encoded in the polarization at these wavelengths is with a dedicated satellite. A CMB Polarization satellite would provide a full sky map of the CMB polarization, probing scales not accessible from the ground. It would have unprecedented sensitivity, a result of the absence of the atmosphere or a warm Telescope. It is widely acknowledged that the most critical component of a polarization experiment, namely the control of sources of systematic errors, can best be achieved on 
a satellite platform. 

Technologies that are necessary for a successful polarization mission are now being fielded by a number of ground- and balloon-based CMB instruments that are probing small and intermediate angular scales. These instruments will provide critical feedback for further technology development. They will also give key information about astrophysical foregrounds and control of polarimetric systematic effects. 

The Primordial Polarization Program Definition Team and the scientists signed below endorse a program of technology development and ground and balloon experiments that will lead to a CMB Polarization satellite as soon as feasible. We urge NASA, NSF, DOE and NIST to fund to its fullest the technology 
development and array of ground and balloon instruments that are a necessary step for the implementation of a CMB Polarization mission. We call upon NASA to set high priority for funding its Inflation Probe mission.
User Tools

Page Tools
