- Mission [1]
- Astronomy is in the midst of a period of extraordinary scientific discovery. The path ahead leads to the exploration of some
of the most exciting aspects of our universe: the nature of dark matter and dark energy in the universe, the formation of
galaxies at early times, the nature of massive black holes, the formation of stars and planetary systems, and the detection
of planets like Earth around other stars. NASA, NSF, and increasingly DOE, together provide the opportunities for astronomical
research that have allowed this nation to demonstrate its scientific and technological leadership worldwide. The framework
that led to this leadership was established by the decade-long plan of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Astronomy and
Astrophysics Survey Committee 2001 Decadal Survey, “Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium” (hereafter the “Decadal
Survey”). The recommendations given in the AAAC report are intended to further the implementation of the Decadal Survey, and
more recent NAS studies, such as “Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos” (CQC). These NAS studies herald a decade of remarkable
scientific opportunities. The diverse approach to astronomical research offered by NASA, NSF and DOE is key to the scientific
success and public visibility achieved in astrophysics over the last several decades. It remains a central aspect of the future
success of astronomy. Joint programs between NASA, NSF and DOE, implemented within a healthy scientific research budget, are
also of great benefit to the nation’s astronomy and astrophysics research enterprise. By drawing on the different strengths
of the agencies’ approaches to achieving the science goals of the astronomical community, the nation will realize greatly
enhanced value from its investment in astronomy.The NAS Committee on the Organization and Management of Research in Astronomy
and Astrophysics (COMRAA) recommended in 2002 the establishment of an advisory committee to deal with the increasingly important
interfaces between the agencies involved in supporting astronomy and astrophysics. Support for this by the Executive Branch
and Congress led to the establishment of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee (AAAC) to: 1) assess, and make
recommendations regarding, the coordination of astronomy and astrophysics programs of NSF, NASA, and DOE; 2) assess, and make
recommendations regarding, the status of the activities of NSF and NASA as they relate to the recommendations contained in
the National Research Council’s 2001 Decadal report, and the recommendations contained in subsequent National Research Council
reports of a similar nature; and 3) issue an annual report to Congress and the agencies no later than March 15.
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