Exploring the Last Electromagnetic Frontier with the Long Wavelength Array (LWA)

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

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Scientific paper

Several decades ago, instruments like the Very Large Array (VLA) first opened the GHz frequency sky to high dynamic range imaging. Today, a path-finding VLA 74 MHz system is providing the first sub-arcminute resolution view of the radio universe below 100 MHz, a technical innovation inspiring an emerging suite of large (> 100 km), much more powerful long-wavelength instruments including the Long Wavelength Array (LWA). Similar in philosophy to the VLA and also located in New Mexico, the LWA will be a versatile, user-oriented electronic array designed to open the 20--80 MHz frequency range to detailed exploration for the first time. The LWA's mJy sensitivity and near-arcsecond resolution will surpass, by 2--3 orders of magnitude, the imaging power of previous interferometers in its frequency range.
LWA scientific frontiers include: (1) the high-z universe, including distant radio galaxies and clusters - tools for understanding the earliest black holes and the cosmological evolution of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, respectively; (2) acceleration, propagation, and turbulence in the ISM, including the space-distribution and spectrum of Galactic cosmic rays and supernova remnants; (3) planetary, solar, and space science, including space-weather prediction and extra-solar planet searches; and (4) the radio transient universe including GRBs, ultra-high energy cosmic rays, and new sources of unknown origin. Because the LWA will explore one of the most poorly investigated spectral regions the potential for new discoveries is high, and there is a strong synergy with exciting new X-ray and Gamma-ray measurements. The LWA will also provide an unparalleled measure of small-scale ionospheric structure, a pre-requisite for accurate calibration and imaging. This presentation focuses on LWA science, while a companion paper reviews the technical design subjected to Preliminary Design Review in March 2009.
Basic research in radio astronomy at the Naval Research Laboratory is supported by 6.1 base funding.

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