National Advanced Institute of Astrophysics

Abstract

Brazilian Astronomy, although quite young, has nevertheless made important achievements: the introduction of the first graduate programs in the 1970’s, the construction of the first national laboratory in the 1980’s and the formation of the Gemini and SOAR consortia in the 1990’s. For the next decade, world astronomy is planning new significant steps. At all wavelengths, a next generation of telescopes is under construction. Many of these equipments are multinational initiatives given the high costs involved, some of them in the range of a billion dollars and taking 10 to 15 years to be built. Direct participation in such projects is beyond our possibilities, but there are niches from which our astronomy may benefit. The form and intensity of these benefits depend on some new investments but mostly on careful and strategic planning. The aim of this project is to establish a National Institute, of strategic character, whose mission is to insert Brazilian Astronomy into the future of World Astronomy. In the present proposal 144 PhD scientists from 27 consolidated and emergent institutions meet to plan and implement actions, having in mind the future o Brazilian astronomy. We are researchers from diverse institutions and of distinct specialties, but we all need the same scientific infrastructure and above all, similar collective strategies. These are the characteristics that provide the unity to the present proposal. These strategies are more and more necessary, given the high costs of the new research equipment and timescales needed for their construction. The expected results of this institute can be summarized in 5 items: 1- Maximizing the return from the Gemini and SOAR telescopes: a) We propose as a goal that Brazil maintains the leadership in scientific productivity for both Gemini and SOAR consortia for the next 5 years; b) There are currently 14 graduate programs in Astronomy. The possibilities opened with the access to the Gemini and SOAR telescopes have attracted many new talented people to astronomy. Our goal is to double the number of papers published by Brazilian graduate students with data from large telescopes in the next 3 years; c) Besides attracting and educating talented people, we also want them to get a job. New groups have been formed, often very small in number; they need to be supported, integrated in networks and to have access to the best existing equipment; d) Stimulate the development of instrumentation for the Gemini and SOAR telescopes. Our goal is to conclude the construction and commissioning of the three instruments underway and begin a new one in the next three years. 2- Promote the participation of the Brazilian astronomical community in the LSST project. During the next 5 years, we will support the Brazilian participation in all LSST scientific sub-groups; we also want to structure and to promote the development of software for the analysis of large datasets. 3- Most of the data from space missions and also from ground based telescopes are available in databases. These datasets contain a wealth of information and mining them may be of enormous benefit to Brazilian Astronomy. Our goal is to have an operational network of virtual observatories In Brazil in the next 3 years. 4- A minimum of 3 new projects will be elaborated and proposed in the area of radio-astronomy, scientific satellites and in optical/infrared astronomy. These projects will be elaborated to the point where they can be presented to the funding agencies or to possible international partners. 5- Regarding outreach activities, we propose to translate IAU's Portal of the Universe to the Portuguese language, as well as to organize a distance learning course on astronomy for science teachers. This effort is of fundamental importance to provide the environment for the next generation of scientist to perform frontier research. (AU)