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Pages 1-8

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From page 1...
... Black holes, once viewed as an exotic theoretical possibility, are now known to be present at the center of most galaxies, including our own. Precision measurements of the primordial radiation left by the big bang have enabled astronomers to determine the age, size, and shape of the universe.
From page 2...
... The priority science objectives chosen by the survey committee for the decade 2012-2021 are searching for the first stars, galaxies, and black holes; seeking nearby habitable planets; and advancing understanding of the fundamental physics of the universe. These three objectives represent a much larger program of unprecedented opportunities now becoming within our capability to explore.
From page 3...
... -- a low-frequency gravitational wave observatory that will open an entirely new window on the cosmos by measuring ripples in space-time caused by many new sources, includ ing nearby white dwarf stars, and will probe the nature of black holes. International X-ray Observatory (IXO)
From page 4...
... These elements include support of individual investigators, instrumentation, laboratory astrophysics, public access to privately operated telescopes, suborbital space missions, technology development, theoreti cal investigations, and collaboration on international projects. This report also identifies unique ways that astronomers can contribute to solving the nation's challenges.
From page 5...
... advanced advanced instrumentation, Technologies and especially adaptive optics and Instrumentation radio instrumentation (augmentation NSF broad realization of science $8M/year additional Page 236 to) astronomy from observational, empirical, and astrophysics and theoretical investigations, Research Grants including laboratory astrophysics Program (augmentation NaSa broad $35M additional Page 219 to)
From page 6...
... c The risk scale used was low, medium low, medium, medium high, and high. d The survey's appraisal of operations costs, in FY2010 dollars, is based on project input.
From page 7...
... Inflation Probe Cosmic microwave background (CMb) / $60M to $200M Page 217 Technology inflation technology development and Development Program preparation for a possible mission beyond 2020 aThe survey's cost appraisals are in FY2010 dollars and are committee-generated and based on available com munity input.
From page 8...
... are based on the survey's cost, risk, and technical readi ness evaluation (i.e., the cost appraisal and technical evaluation, or CaTe, analysis) and project input, in FY2010 dollars for phase a costs onward; cost appraisals for the explorer augmentation and the medium elements of the space program are committee-generated, based on available community input.


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