Optimization of the observing cadence for the Rubin observatory legacy survey of space and time: A pioneering process of community-focused experimental design
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Abstract
Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a ground-based astronomical facility under construction, a joint project of the
National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, designed to conduct a multipurpose 10 yr optical
survey of the Southern Hemisphere sky: the Legacy Survey of Space and Time. Significant flexibility in survey
strategy remains within the constraints imposed by the core science goals of probing dark energy and dark matter,
cataloging the solar system, exploring the transient optical sky, and mapping the Milky Way. The survey’s massive
data throughput will be transformational for many other astrophysics domains and Rubin’s data access policy sets
the stage for a huge community of potential users. To ensure that the survey science potential is maximized while
serving as broad a community as possible, Rubin Observatory has involved the scientific community at large in the
process of setting and refining the details of the observing strategy. The motivation, history, and decision-making
process of this strategy optimization are detailed in this paper, giving context to the science-driven proposals and
recommendations for the survey strategy included in this Focus Issue.
Description
Keywords
Rubin observatory, Space, Time, Dark energy, Astrophysics
Citation
Bianco, F. B. et al. (2022). Optimization of the observing cadence for the Rubin observatory legacy survey of space and time: A pioneering process of community-focused experimental design. Astrophysical Journal Supplement, 258 (1). https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4365/ac3e72