STFC Astronomy Programme

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) astronomy and space science programme takes account of the highest priority projects and facilities as identified by its Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics (PPAN) science committee in the recent Prioritisation exercise. Whilst STFC is developing a science roadmap, with inputs from its Advisory Panels, it is appropriate to reference the key science questions for European astronomy and space science, as published by Astronet (link opens in a new window) (2009) on behalf of the European Community. These are:

• Do we understand the extremes of the Universe?
• How do galaxies form and evolve?
• What is the origin and evolution of stars and planets?
• How do we fit in?

The STFC astronomy and space science programme is designed to contribute to these questions, focusing upon those where the UK community has particular strengths and expertise. The programme includes studies ranging from the birth of the universe to the solar system we live in. It addresses observational programmes from the ground and space using wavelengths from gamma-ray to radio, plus the search for gravitational waves and understanding high energy phenomena, such as gamma ray bursts, astrophysical plasmas and the origin of the missing mass in the universe. Observational studies are supported and complemented by theory research, computing and data handling resources, laboratory studies and technology development.

The proposed European Extremely Large Telescope next to the London Eye
Credit: ESO and Chiara Bello

Astronomers work closely with others to ensure that pathways to impact are fully appreciated and exploited. The STFC astronomy programme aims to ensure that these links and synergies are enhanced. We work closely with STFC's Innovation Directorate, the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and UK industry to ensure new ideas and techniques are developed, partnerships are fostered and benefits to the UK economy are realized.

Astronomy and space science is a global activity, increasingly led by access to the largest and most challenging facility and satellite developments, the very scale and complexity of which demand international cooperation and resources to achieve. We have been therefore playing a major role in the formulation of a European strategy for astronomy - Astronet which has identified common goals and challenges, and seeks ways to enhance the effectiveness of national investment and to provide a focus for international investment in new facilities.

From April 2010, the newly created UK Space Agency (link opens in a new window) has responsibility for the development and delivery of the space science programme in the UK. Astronomers use a variety of tools to address key questions, and many will require access to both ground-based and space-based facilities to provide specific capabilities. STFC therefore continues to provide a strategic science background for the astronomy aspects of the space science programme and we will work closely with the UK Space Agency to ensure support for the exploitation of space missions. We will also support the development of novel technologies associated with generic space research, primarily via grants to Universities and research institutions. A Service Level Agreement has been signed with the UK Space Agency giving it management of the approved STFC space programme through FY2010/11, along with associated STFC staff effort and support. Grant funding for exploitation and blue skies technology related to both ground and space-based astronomy will continue to be awarded by STFC, but outcomes will be agreed with the UK Space Agency under a 'dual key' mechanism.

A key component of the STFC astronomy programme is membership of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) (link opens in a new window)which provides access to the four 8m class optical/IR telescopes (VLT) in Chile and the associated optical interferometer (VLTI), the VISTA survey telescope, the smaller optical/IR telescopes at La Silla, the Apex sub-mm telescope and the mm array facility, ALMA, currently under construction in the Atacama desert. For the future ESO is hoping to build the world's largest optical/IR facility known as the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) (link opens in a new window) which will also be based in Chile. STFC is supporting the construction of instruments for the VLT, notably the KMOS spectrograph at the UKATC, a variety of contracts for ALMA sub-systems and work towards instruments for the E-ELT.

STFC leads the European efforts in research and development towards the proposed Square Kilometre Array (SKA) (link opens in a new window) radiotelescope, via its role in the FP7 PrepSKA programme. The SKA will build upon a UK strength in radioastronomy focused upon development of (e-MERLIN (link opens in a new window) at operated from Jodrell Bank,and via a UK node for (LOFAR) (link opens in a new window) at its Chilbolton site, both with operational support from STFC.

STFC provides access to other world-leading optical/IR (Gemini, WHT (link opens in a new window), UKIRT (link opens in a new window), LT (link opens in a new window)) and sub mm telescopes (JCMT) (link opens in a new window) for astronomy via international partnerships and via STFC-owned facilities, operated in conjunction with international colleagues. UK astronomers are able use these facilities through grant funding from STFC and by EU-supported Access schemes (Opticon (link opens in a new window), Radionet (link opens in a new window) ).

United Kingdom Infra Red Telescope

Following the STFC Prioritisation, it was able to confirm the continued operation of UKIRT through the end of Financial Year 2011/12, allowing for the completion of the current programme of surveys (UKIDSS) with UKIRT's wide-field camera (WFCAM). The JCMT is currently commissioning a new technology camera, SCUBA-2, which it is expected will provide vital insights on the cold universe into the era of ALMA.

We have been supporting the development of the Dark Energy Survey (DES (link opens in a new window)) camera for the US-owned Blanco telescope in Chile. This is expected to commence its survey programme towards the end of 2011. The DES will provide precision measurements of dark energy using four independent techniques: counts of galaxy clusters; weak lensing shear tomography; supernovae redshifts and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations.

STFC provides grants to universities and research institutions to support the development of generic technologies, astronomy theory and the exploitation of facilities in astronomy and space science. Much of this funding goes to support postdoctoral research associates, which are the backbone of the UK's research effort.

Following several years of growth in the funds available to invest in exploitation, STFC has needed to make significant reductions in the grants budget for astronomy. We are working closely with the grants panel and community to ensure that the outcomes are fair and reflect STFC's strategic priorities, taking account of joint interests with the UK Space Agency.