Providing wavelength coverage from 3 to 180 microns, Spitzer
is an important addition to scientific Hubble Space Telescope
(English) and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory (English). The
smaller wavelength infrared (near-infrared) can see through regions heavily
obscured by dust, so that astronomers can study newborn stars. The long
wavelengths (far infrared) are very useful for studying the distribution of
dust in the Milky Way, an important ingredient for the formation of planets and
stars
About 80% of Spitzer observing time will be available to the
wider scientific community, through a contest organized observing proposals by
the Spitzer Science Center.
To date, one fifth of the Spitzer mission
(assuming the last 5 years) has been defined through the Legacy Science
Program, the Census at a Glance and the Guaranteed Observing
Time. Requests for information about the review of the scientific programs
will be held annually, starting shortly after launch. Applications for
observing time with Spitzer will be reviewed by colleagues in a competitive
process.
One consequence of the redesign of Spitzer in the early 90's
was the decision he made great contributions in these four areas of research:
The home search
and Brown Dwarfs and Super Planets
These objects have very little mass that can produce nuclear
reactions are the source of energy in stars, but are larger and hotter than the
planets of our solar system. The astronomers are now beginning to detect
these objects as intended and it is interesting to know how they can contribute
to dark matter that dominates the universe. Spitzer will provide valuable
information on their numbers and their physical characteristics.
The Discovery and
Study of Dust Disks Second Generation (or discs
"Debris") around nearby stars.
Spitzer determines the structure and composition of gas and
dust disks around nearby stars. Proto-planetary disks of dust and gas and
dust disks "second generation," a later stage of evolution in which
most of the gas has disappeared, are believed to form part of the formation of
planetary systems. By observing these discs in various stages of evolution,
Spitzer can study the transformation of a cloud of dust and gas with no
structure in a planetary system.
Ultra luminous
Infrared Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei
Many galaxies emit more radiation at infrared wavelengths
than in the remaining regions of the electromagnetic spectrum combined. These ultra
luminous infrared galaxies may be energized by intense star formation events
stimulated by a collision of galaxies or active galactic nuclei hidden by dust
(including quasars) energized in turn by the presence of a massive black
hole. Spitzer will study the origin and evolution of these objects to
cosmological distances.
The Study
of Young Universe
The cosmological redshirt is due to the expansion of the
universe, and makes light of astronomical phenomena is seen at wavelengths
greater. The articles which have a redshirt larger were seen as long ago,
when the universe was much younger. Most optical and ultraviolet radiation
emitted by stars and galaxies from the beginning of the Universe is now shifted
towards the infrared. Spitzer will provide important information on when
and how the first stars and galaxies.
These interesting scientific issues are directly related to
the Astronomical Search Program of NASA's Origins (English), which aims to
understand the origins of the universe, galaxies, stars and planets.Times the
basis With Spitzer, astronomers expect the unexpected!
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