[Previous] | [Session 44] | [Next]
D.J. Benford, D.T. Leisawitz, S.H. Moseley, R.A. Shafer, J.G. Staguhn (NASA / GSFC)
The far-infrared and submillimeter region (30\mum-750\mum) has perhaps the greatest potential of all wavelengths for advancement in astronomy . When viewed in terms of the cosmic backgrounds, the far-IR is extremely important: half of the total luminosity in the Universe is emitted at rest wavelengths ~0-100\,\mum. At the highest known galaxy redshifts (z~q6) this energy is redshifted to ~00\,\mum. Existing and planned survey missions have a broad range of capabilities, defined in terms of their spectral coverage, spectral resolution, survey area, and sensitivity. In this 4-dimensional parameter space, the far-IR is found to be substantially behind most other wavelength bands. The opportunity for future missions with great discovery potential is evident. Such missions will be well-suited to answering fundamental questions about the history of energy release in the Universe, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and formation of stellar and protoplanetary systems. We discuss the parameter space that can be filled by a few well-chosen space missions, specifically a submillimeter all-sky survey and a far-IR to submillimeter observatory.