LSST Observatory - Meetings - Science with LSST and Other Large Surveys

Science with LSST and Other Large Surveys:
Community Access and Utilization of Future Archives
What will LSST do for You?

University of Washington, Seattle
September 20-22, 2004

Session I: Overview and LSST (8:30 - 10:00)
Chair: Suzanne Hawley, University of Washington

Welcome - Craig Hogan
Institution: University of Washington

Introduction and Charge - Kem Cook
Institution: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Optical Astronomy Observatory

LSST SWG Report - Michael Strauss
Institution: Princeton University
Title: Towards a Design Reference Mission for the LSST

Abstract:
Over the past two years, a group of 19 scientists has been convened by NOAO as a Science Working Group for the LSST concept. We were asked to develop and expand on the science drivers for a telescope system with an etendue of > 200 m² deg², without necessarily being tied to any specific design. Our resulting report was delivered in June 2004. In it, we describe the forefront scientific issues to be addressed with such a telescope, ranging over the full scope of science topics to be covered in this conference. I will summarize our report with emphasis on remaining issues, and discuss the future activities of the LSST science working group.

Full Presentation [PDF 2M]

LSST Science and Design - Tony Tyson
Institution: UC Davis

Abstract:
With an optical etendue of 300 LSST will take 10 sq.deg sky limited images in ten seconds. This enables a broad range of science programs. Each sky patch will be revisited hundreds of times, leading to unique capabilities ranging from precision dark energy constraints to the opening of the "time" window. I will review these science drivers and the design of the facility. The resulting calibrated catalogs and images will be a unique community resource for new investigations.

Full Presentation [PDF 8.2M]

LSST Corporation and Project Status - Don Sweeney
Institution: LSST Corporation

Abstract: none provided

Full Presentation [PDF 1.5M]

LSST Data Management - Tim Axelrod
Institution: University of Arizona

Abstract: none provided

Full Presentation [PDF 1.1M]

Session II: Previous/Current Surveys - Lessons Learned (10:30 - 12:30)
Chair: Kem Cook, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Optical Astronomy Observatory

2MASS - Roc Cutri
Institution: IPAC/Caltech
Title: The 2MASS Data Processing/Archiving System

Abstract:
The Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) carried out a highly uniform digital imaging survey of the entire sky in three near infrared bands between June 1997 and January 2001. Survey observations were conducted using a pair of identical 1.3 telescopes on Mt. Hopkins, AZ and Cerro Tololo, Chile, each equipped with a 3-channel infrared array camera. In March of 2003, the primary survey data products derived from the approximately 24.5 TB of raw digital images were released to the astronomical community: 1) a digital Image Atlas containing 4.1 million calibrated FITS images covering the sky; 2) a Point Source Catalog (PSC) containing accurate positions and photometry for ~471 million sources; and 3) an Extended Source Catalog (XSC) that contains accurate positions, photometry and basic shape information for ~1.6 million resolved sources, most of which are galaxies. We discuss how the 2MASS data processing, distribution and archiving systems successfully met the challenges of the large (for the era) data volume, strict science-driven product requirements, and ambitious release schedules of the mission. Key elements of the successful system included well-defined science requirements for the survey, a realistic understanding of the scope and resources required for the job, early integration of the data processing/archiving system into mission planning, a high degree of automation in data processing and quality assurance, and an archiving system designed to provide efficient access and manipulation of the missions massive database tables and image sets. These and other features that will be presented may serve as useful models in planning for the next generation of wide-area surveys.

Full Presentation [PDF 1.4M]

SDSS - Robert Lupton
Institution: Princeton University

Abstract: none provided
Full Presentation [PDF 3.5M]

RAPTOR/OGLE/ROTSE - Przemyslaw Wozniak
Institution: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Title: Data systems and usability in current time domain surveys. What's next?

Abstract:
RAPTOR, ROTSE-I and OGLE are examples of surveys with a large ratio of the data collecting power to the aperture diameter of their instruments. I will discuss some of the data processing infrastructure behind these experiments, facilities for public data access they employ and the data usage patterns along with a brief review of the scientific goals and results. The general trend in this type of work is towards handing increasingly complex tasks to autonomous machines. This involves robotization, fully automated data pipelines and real time filtering of interesting events from vast data streams. One potentially interesting direction is customization of alert systems towards users with specific scientific interests through automated subscriber managers. An exciting prospect in transient searches is networking telescopes, databases and subscriber nodes into a wide area sky- and user-aware system constantly interpreting its data and delivering both real-time and historic content.
Full Presentation [PDF 2.6M]

CFHT - Christian Veillet
Institution: CFHT
Title: The CFHT Legacy Survey

Abstract:
A general presentation of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey: 500 nights of observation over 5 years using the 340 M-pixels 1deg x 1deg MegaCam mosaic camera at the new CFHT prime focus. The main scientific goals will be summarized, and details will be given on the observing strategy, the in-house data processing and the data distribution. A glance at preliminary results after the first year of operation will close the presentation.
Full Presentation [PDF 8.7M]

QUEST - Charles Baltay
Institution: Yale University
Title: The QUEST Surveys

Abstract:
The Quest Surveys consist of two phases-Phase1 was QUEST Venezuela that operated with our large format 16 ccd camera at the CIDA Schmidt Telescope from 1998 to 2000,and the Palomar-Quest Variability Survey, using our very large area(3.5 degrees by 4.5 degrees) 112 CCD camera at the Samuel Oshin Schmidt Telescope at Palomar, which started taking science quality data in Aug of 2003.The Cameras, the survey strategies, the data reduction software and the science projects will be discussed.
Full Presentation [PDF 4.8M]

GRB Afterglows - Shri Kulkarni
Institution: Caltech

Abstract: none provided
Full Presentation [PDF 14K]

Session III: Science from Wide Field Surveys (1:30 - 3:00 p.m.)
Chair: Todd Boroson, NOAO

Multi-Band Searches

Name: Phil Marshall

Institution: KIPAC

Title: Searching for Strong Gravitational Lenses with LSST

Abstract:

With its unprecedented multi-color sky coverage and survey depth, LSST will act as an effective large image separation strong gravitational lens finder. We make some preliminary predictions for the yield of such a survey, and discuss some of the science one might do with it.

Full Presentation [PDF 4.7M]

Name: Daniel Stern

Institution: JPL/Caltech

Title: Discovery of a Transient U-Band Dropout in a Lyman-Break Survey: A Tidally-Disrupted Star at z~3.3?

Abstract:

We report the discovery of a transient source in the central regions of galaxy cluster Abell 267. The object, which we call "PALS1", was found in a survey aimed at identifying highly-magnified Lyman-break galaxies in the fields of intervening rich clusters. At discovery, the source had U>24.7 (2-sigma; AB), g=21.96, and very blue g-r and r-i colors; i.e., PALS1 was a U-band drop-out, characteristic of star-forming galaxies and quasars at z~3. However, three months later the source had faded by more than three magnitudes. Further observations showed a continued decline in luminosity, to R>26.4 seven months after discovery. Though the apparent brightness is suggestive of a supernova at roughly the cluster redshift, we show that the photometry and light curve argue against any known type of supernova at any redshift. The spectral energy distribution and location near the center of a galaxy cluster are consistent with the hypothesis that PALS1 is a gravitationally-lensed transient at z~3.3. If this interpretation is correct, the source is magnified by a factor of 4-7 and two counterimages are predicted. Our lens model predicts time delays between the three images of 1-10 years and that we have witnessed the final occurrence of the transient. The intense luminosity (M(AB) ~ -23.5 after correcting for lensing) and blue UV continuum (implying T>50,000 K) argue the source may have been a flare resulting from the tidal disruption of a star by a 10⁶-10⁸ solar-mass black hole. Regardless of its physical nature, PALS1 highlights the importance of monitoring the sky for distant, time-varying phenomena. We discuss the capabilities of LSST to find similar phenomena.

Full Presentation [PDF 654K]

Name: Steve Warren

Institution: Imperial College

Abstract: none provided

Full Presentation [PDF 414K]

Large Statistical Studies

Name: Andrew Connolly

Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Title: Connecting the dots: LSS from Deep Multifrequency Surveys

Abstract:

The next generation of multi-frequency large area surveys such as the LSST will clearly open up the temporal domain enabling a systematic search for moving and variable sources. The multi-frequency nature of these surveys will also provide a unique resource for understanding both the nature of galaxies and the evolution of structure within our universe over cosmologically significant epochs. In this talk I will address how deep, multi-band imaging of a significant fraction of the sky can impact our understanding of LSS from a number of different aspects: the clustering of galaxies as a function of galaxy type and its relation to how we populate dark matter halos, how well we can constrain the evolution of clustering over redshift intervals from z=0 to z=1, and measures of the growth of structure from cosmological tests such as the Integrated Sachs Wolfe effect (and how they relate to our understanding of dark energy). I will discuss both our understanding of these areas from current surveys and the potential that new imaging surveys such as LSST might have on these fields.

Full Presentation [PDF 1.1M]

Name: Ulrich Hopp

Institution: University Observatory Munich

Title: A survey strategy for OmegaCAM at the VST

Abstract:

OmegaCAM is an one square degree mosaic CCD imager to be commissioned at the ESO/Napoli 2.6m VLT Survey Telescope (VST) on Paranal in spring 2005. I will give a brief description of the instrument and its performance. Further, I will describe the survey strategy in discussion by the OmegaCAM consortium for a public survey as well as for the use of its guaranteed time. The focus on multi-wavelength studies coordinating activities in several wavelength regimes and mostly at high galactic latitude which can serve a broad range of statistical studies of stellar and extragalactic topics.

Full Presentation [PDF 1.6M]

Name: Lutz Haberzettl

Institution: Astronomical Institute Ruhr-University Bochum

Title: Low Surface Brightness (LSB) galaxies in sensitive wide field data

Abstract:

In the last 20 years it became more and more clear that LSB galaxies represent an important part of the local galaxy population. Today we know that the Freeman Law (Freeman 1970) which indicates that all galaxies should have nearly the same central surface brightness of 21.65+/-0.3 mag arcsec^-2 was the result of selection effects. With the understanding of these selection effects we find a large number of LSB galaxies in sensitive surveys today. Therefore these galaxies play an important role for the understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies. Until now we did not really know how these galaxies form and evolve. We have first hints from the analysis of small sample of LSBs that there exists significant differences in the evolution of "normal" High Surface Brightness (HSB) and LSB galaxies.

We present results from a search for LSB galaxies in very sensitive ground based data of a field around the HDF-S (including the flanking fields, field size: 0.8 deg²). For the selection of the LSB galaxy candidates we used color-color diagrams (e.g. U-B vs. B-R). From the color--color diagram LSB candidates were selected based on their different location in comparison to the HSB galaxy redshift tracks. This different location gives a hint for the different evolution of the LSBs. For this sample we derived spectral energy distributions (SEDs) from 3500 A to 7000 A using ESO 3.6m telescope. Comparing the SEDs to a library of synthetic spectra produced using synthesis evolution model PEGASE (Rocca & Volmerange 1997) we were able to derive SFHs for the sample. From a comparison to the SFHs of a sample HSB galaxies we get a trend that the LSB galaxies tend to have younger averaged stellar populations. This implies that the major star formation event of these galaxies took place at later stages as the for HSB galaxies.

To study the evolution of the LSB galaxies in more direct way we present first results from a search of LSB galaxies at higher redshifts. The search for higher redshifted LSB galaxies will be an ideal project for future science using the LSST.

Full Presentation [PDF 1.9M]

Name: Todd Small

Institution: Caltech

Title: A Couple of Highlights from the GALEX Surveys

Abstract:

I will summarize the current status of the wide-field imaging and spectroscopic surveys currently being conducted by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX). I will then highlight GALEX results on the evolution of the UV luminosity density from z = 0 to z ~ 1 and on the population of local UV luminous galaxies that appear to be analogs of Lyman-break galaxies found at high redshift.

Full Presentation [PDF 3.3M]

Name: Bhuvnesh Jain

Institution: University of Pennsylvania

Title: Weak lensing and galaxy clustering from imaging surveys

Abstract:

Lensing tomography from wide field imaging data will be presented in the context of various future surveys. The requirements on imaging and photometric redshifts, and tradeoffs in survey parameters will be discussed. The possibility of using angular clustering/baryon wiggles from high quality multi-color data to constrain dark energy will also be explored.

Full Presentation [PDF 417K]

Session III: Continued (3:30 - 5:00 p.m.)
Chair: Zeljko Ivezic, University of Washington

Name: Dave Monet
Institution: US Naval Observatory
Title: 2MASS Parallaxes and their Implications for LSST
Abstract:: The accurate parallaxes computed by the 2MASS Extended Mission for stars in regions observed many times demonstrate that important astrometric results can be obtained from survey data. LSST astrometry, particularly at magnitudes too faint for Gaia or other missions to observe, will supply crucial information about the local luminosity function, the ages of white dwarfs, Galactic structure, and many other topics. The emphasis of the talk will be on setting LSST Requirements that preserve astrometric accuracy, and on designing a pipeline that computes astrometric parameters as part of the real time analysis package.
Full Presentation [PDF 52K]
Name: Alan W. Harris
Institution: Space Science Institute
Title: Solar System Survey . Cadence and Sky Coverage Issues
Abstract:: Solar system science goals include surveying for Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs), and extending surveys of main belt asteroids, comets, Centaurs, and TNOs to far smaller and more distant bodies than presently being found. Most of these goals can be achieved with a survey cadence of two or three observations on each of two or three days out of each month. We recommend two visits on each of three nights as likely optimum. Nightly observations should be spaced by 20-60 minutes; nights should be spaced by 3-5 days. Coverage of the ecliptic, +/-10 deg in latitude and +/-120 deg in longitude from opposition yields a very effective survey. Most images can be taken at under 1.5 air mass, but 10-20 hours a month of high air mass imaging in R band may be required to fill out the large elongation areas of the survey pattern.
Full Presentation [PDF 748K]
Name: Sebastien Lepine
Institution: American Museum of Natural History
Title: Mining for high proper motion stars - how deep can we go?
Abstract:: Ongoing surveys of stars with large proper motions, which are nearly complete down to the 20th magnitude, already include most of the H-burning objects in the neighborhood of the Sun. I will describe how deeper, large-area proper motion surveys can be carried out, in particular with the use of image subtraction techniques, and what classes of objects (faint/distant?) could be discovered in those deeper surveys.
Full Presentation [PDF 412K]
Name: Imants Platais
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Title: Towards precision astrometry with LSST
Abstract:: I will review the current status of astrometry with 4m class telescopes and CCD mosaic detectors in the regime close to the LSST specifications. There are three major factors which set the positional precision floor apart from the S/N issue: 1) atmospheric turbulence; 2) differential color refraction; and 3) the FPA metrology and its stability. The latter is crucial to precision astrometry and can be improved significantly by preparing in advance deep astrometric standards (18<V<25) in dense starfields. No less important is a characterization of geometric distortions in the optical system, which are expected to be quite complex. Finally, I will show the limitations of proper motion detection over a 3-yr monitoring campaign using the CCD mosaic observations taken with the KPNO 4m telescope as an indicator of LSST astrometric potential.
Full Presentation [PDF 611K]
Variable Objects
Name: Andrew Becker
Institution: University of Washington
Title: Faint Optical Flashes in the Deep Lens Survey
Abstract:: The Deep Lens Survey (DLS) is an NOAO survey operating on the KPNO and CTIO 4-m telescopes. Exposure times and filters are optimized for weak lensing science; however, the observation strategy is chosen to also provide sensitivity to variability over 5 decades in event timescale. Our primary sensitivity is to 1000s phenomena within a window between approximately 19th and 24th magnitudes in B, V, and R. Within this window, we have detected two events which do not appear to correspond to known types of astronomical variability. These events imply an overall rate of 1.4 events deg^-2 day^-1. The LSST will extend our sensitivity to events on 10s timescales, and to a similar depth. In addition, the population of events seen by the DLS should be detected in great numbers; LSST's real-time data reduction and alerting capabilities will enable intense followup of events despite their transience.
Full Presentation [PDF 1.4M]
Name: Steve Howell
Institution: WIYN/NOAO
Title: Time Domain, High Photometric Precision Variability Studies
Abstract:: For the past few years, I have been performing multi-color, 1-5 mmag precision variability studies. Conventional and orthogonal transfer CCDs have been used and the targeted sky regions, filters employed, telescopes used, and observational techniques have varied. I will present a summary of the results in terms of how many and what kind of sources are variable, at what level do they vary, and on what time scale do they vary, The results from these studies are being employed to plan future imaging surveys, in particular the upcoming Pan-STARRS variability survey.
Full Presentation [PDF 912K]
Name: Peter Garnavich
Institution: University of Notre Dame
Title: Type Ia Supernovae and the LSST
Abstract:: The LSST could provide 100000 type Ia supernovae per year at z<1 for use as cosmological probes. Such a data set can put interesting limits on the dark energy equation of state and complement planned space missions to study higher redshift samples. And supernovae at these redshifts can probe the properties of dark matter through weak gravitational lensing. But the use of such a staggering number of supernovae is limited by spectroscopic follow-up and by the systematic error floor which is reached after averaging only a few hundred supernovae per redshift bin. Optimum use of this vast data set will require innovative analysis techniques that minimize systematic errors.
Full Presentation [PDF 3.1M]
Name: Paula Szkody
Institution: U of W
Title: Secs to Tens of Yrs - the Large Range in Variability of Active Close Binaries
Abstract:: This talk will present the large range in variability evident in (and needed for) the study of active close binaries with mass transfer. The optimum sampling for LSST would need to cover everything from the flickering (secs) through the pulsations of white dwarfs (min) and the orbital variations (hrs) to the weekly-monthly-yearly variations caused by changes in the mass accretion rates. Examples of these timescales and their relations to understanding of physical parameters will be shown.
Full Presentation [PDF 1.7M]
Name: Tom Vestrand
Institution: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Title: "Thinking" Telescopes, Machine Learning, and the LSST
Abstract: none provided
Full Presentation [PDF 3.3M]

Session IV: Data Access and Virtual Observatory Models (8:30 - 10:15 a.m.)
Chair: Michael Strauss, Princeton University

IVOA - Peter Quinn
Institution: European Southern University

Abstract: none provided
Full Presentation [PDF 2.9M]

IPAC - Bruce Berriman
Institution: IPAC,Caltech
Title: The Architecture of the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive

Abstract:
The NASA Infrared Science Archive (IRSA) at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) curates data from six NASA infrared missions, including the 2MASS 10 TB full resolution image data set and the 1 billion source .working catalog.. This presentation describes the highly-scaleable architecture and algorithms developed at IRSA that support production of these massive data sets, their curation in the archive, their accessibility by the astronomical community, and their interoperability with remote data sets.

Full Presentation [PDF 890K]

CADC - Luc Simard
Institution: Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (NRC-HIA)
Title: The Canadian Virtual Observatory (CVO)

Abstract:
Helping researchers make optimal use of very large datasets in an increasingly multi-wavelength discipline is the primary goal of the Virtual Observatory. In an era populated by a vast array of large surveys at different wavelengths, there is a clear need for such a tool, and this need will become even more acute once facilities such as LSST start producing potentially overwhelming amounts of data. However, the concept of a Virtual Observatory often means different things to different people. In this talk, I will discuss the approach taken at the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre to develop a "data exploration space" that integrates diverse datasets residing at CADC and elsewhere into a common framework that can be used by astronomers working in all regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Starting from the CVO data model, I will show how different datasets (ROSAT, 2QZ, HST/WFPC2 and CFHT) have already been ingested in a working CVO prototype accessible on the Web.

Full Presentation [PDF 2.3M]

HST - Rick White
Institution: STScI
Title: Lessons for LSST from the Hubble Archive

Abstract:
The Hubble Data Archive is quite miniscule in scale compared with the LSST archive, so one might think that the LSST project has little to learn from it. I will however argue that there are some useful lessons for LSST from Hubble. The challenges facing the Hubble archive designers were in fact not so different from those in front of LSST. Design decisions made in the mid-1980s still affect the day-to-day operations of the HDA. Perhaps a little knowledge of our history will help LSST avoid some of the pitfalls that can trap a system in the past.

Full Presentation [PDF 883K]

NVO - Ray Plante
Institution: National Center for Supercomputing Applications
Title: The National Virtual Observatory in the LSST Era

Abstract:
LSST's relationship to the National Virtual Observatory (NVO) will be critical to meeting the science needs of our community. I will review the goals and architecture of the NVO as we now see it, and describe how facilities like LSST participate in the federation. This participation can be largely thought of in terms of publishing; I will discuss how the publishing process works today to channel data to working community applications. I will share thoughts on how our expected participation in the NVO should be factored into our data management design. Finally, I will speculate on where NVO will be by LSST's first light and discuss opportunities for leveraging NVO infrastructure to add value to our standard data products.

Full Presentation [PDF 1.3M]

SDSS - Ani Thakar
Institution: JHU
Title: Scalable Data Access for SDSS and the VO

Abstract:
I discuss the SDSS data access facilities and Virtual Observatory activities in the context of our ongoing effort to make the SDSS Science Archive an advanced data mining and data intensive science laboratory with solutions that are scalable to the prodigious data rates expected for LSST. The SkyServer is the web portal to the SDSS Catalog Archive Server (CAS) that provides a range of data access tools for novice-to-expert users, including several query tools and a sophisticated image browsing and finding chart service. The SkyServer also incorporates extensive usage and performance logging.
The SDSS catalog (processed) data is now 3 TB is size and will roughly double by the time the survey is completed. The raw data will be 5-6 times the catalog data in size. While these sizes are small compared to the projected sizes for LSST, our efforts are on track for petabyte-scale data access by the end of the decade. With SDSS DR2, we deployed a batch query system called CasJobs for queue-based query access to the SDSS CAS. We are currently testing parallel data access to SDSS data using a zone-based horizontal data-partitioning strategy within SQL Server, using the MaxBCG cluster-finding algorithm (originally developed by Annis et al.) as a test problem for our "bring the program to the data" approach for data-intensive science. We are also in the process of deploying a 100 TB cluster for turbulence data analysis at JHU.
On the Virtual Observatory front, we are pursuing several projects aimed at federating and standardizing astronomical data access. We have taken the initiative in proposing and developing the Astronomical Data Query Language (ADQ) standard recently adopted by the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA). We have developed OpenSkyQuery - an IVOA compliant version of SkyQuery, a distributed query and dynamic cross-matching service that allows any archive to be easily federated in the VO. We have implemented an automated registry as well as all the IVOA-standard web services for access to SDSS data. Finally, we are using the SkyServer traffic logging model as a basis for a VO logging standard.

Full Presentation [PDF 2.3M]

Session V: Proposed Wide-field Surveys (10:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.)
Chair: Chris Stubbs, Harvard University

SNAP - Bill Carithers
Institution: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Title: The Supernova Acceleration Probe (SNAP)

Abstract:
After a brief overview of the SNAP mission, telescope, and instrument suite, we present some details of the planned surveys. These include the deep supernovae discovery survey, the moderately wide weak-lensing survey, and a potential panoramic survey. We will also present the current thinking on SNAP survey data products and data access.

Full Presentation [PDF 2.2M]

UKIDSS - Steve Warren
Institution: Imperial College
Title: The UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey

Abstract:
UKIDSS is the next-generation near-infrared sky survey, and will commence in spring 2005, taking 7 years to complete. UKIDSS comprises 5 surveys covering both high and low galactic latitudes, spanning a complementary range of areas and depths. Three relatively shallow surveys cover a total of 7500 sq degs, to K=18.5. The two deep surveys cover 35, 0.8 sq. degs to K=21, 23. The passbands include JHK, as well as the Y band at 0.97-1.07micron, important for some particular science goals. I will describe the survey camera WFCAM, the characteristics of the surveys, the science drivers, the pipeline and archive design, the current status of commissioning of the camera, and the proposed data release timeline.

Full Presentation [PDF 570K]

Pan-STARRS - Ken Chambers
Institution: Institute for Astronomy
Title: PS1 - The Prototype Telescope for the PanSTARRS Array

Abstract:
The Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii is developing a large optical synoptic survey telescope system called the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System. The full Pan-STARRS array will consist of four 1.8m telescopes with very large (7 square degree) field of view, giving it an etendue larger than all existing survey instruments combined. Each telescope will be equipped with a 1 billion pixel CCD camera with low noise and rapid read-out, and the data will be reduced in near real time a to produce both cumulative static sky and difference images, from which transient, moving and variable objects can be detected. Pan-STARRS will be able to scan the entire visible sky to approximately 24th magnitude in less than a week, and this unique combination of sensitivity and cadence will open up many new possibilities in time domain astronomy. Pan-STARRS will used to address a wide range of astronomical problems in the Solar System, the Galaxy, and the Cosmos at large. The Pan-STARRS Telescope No. 1 (PS1) is the prototype telescope for the Pan-STARRS project and is scheduled to begin construction at Haleakala Observatories in the fall of 2004 with first light in January 2006. A description of the PS1 site, capabilities, and design reference mission will be presented.

Full Presentation [PDF 7.5M]

QUEST - George Djorgovski
Institution: Caltech

Abstract: none provided
Full Presentation [PDF 2.4M]

TAOS - Matt Lehner
Institution: CfA/UPenn
Title: The Taiwanese-American Occultation Survey (TAOS)

Abstract:
TAOS is a program dedicated to performing a survey of small objects (<10 km) in the trans-Neptunian Region of the Solar System by detecting the occultations of bright stars by these objects. This survey must deal with the low expected event rate, marginal signal to noise of detections at one telescope, and the possibility of a high false detection rate due to atmospheric fluctuations or other terrestrial phenomena. TAOS responds to these challenges with an array of small (50 cm) telescopes, each equipped with a 2048x2048 pixel CCD camera, which will operate automatically to monitor ~2000 stars simultaneously at 5 Hz. In this talk, an overview of the survey and the current status of the system will be presented, and plans for public data access will be discussed.

Full Presentation [PDF 2.0M]

DES - Mike Gladders
Institution: Carnegie Observatories

Abstract: none provided
Full Presentation [PDF 1.3M]

VST/VISTA/EST - Luiz da Costa
Institution: European Southern Obs.
Title: The ESO Imaging Survey Project: Building a Survey Software System

Abstract:
To cope with the rapidly increasing volume and complexity of data being generated by ESO's public optical/infrared imaging surveys a high-performance, end-to-end survey software system has been developed. Its main aim is to provide a robust framework to efficiently transform raw data into science-grade survey products. The system consists of several tasks wrapped together into an integrated framework. These tasks include: the un-supervised reduction of optical/infrared images generated by different imagers, the astrometric and photometric calibration of the data, the creation of image stacks and mosaics, the preparation of catalogs and the selection of different targets of potential interest for spectroscopic follow-up. Since the data are meant to be public, the system also provides an extensive description of the products and the required information for users to assess their quality. The system has been designed to enable a small group to monitor the un-supervised reduction and analysis of data from multiple surveys in their entirety -- from survey definition all the way through to the release of comprehensively documented survey products (stacked images, mosaics and catalogs) -- all done by one operator from a single desktop. While originally designed for handling survey data, the system can also be used as a general front-end to ESO's raw data archive, and as such serve as a site-specific interface to the general VO infra-structure. In this contribution the system is briefly described.

Session V: Continued (1:30 - 2:00 p.m.)
Chair: Tony Tyson, UC Davis

Destiny - Tod Lauer
Institution: NOAO
Title: DESTINY - The Dark Energy Space Telescope

Abstract:
We describe a mission concept for a 2-meter class near-infrared (NIR) grism-mode space telescope optimized to return richly sampled Hubble diagrams of Type Ia and Type II supernovae (SNe) over the redshift range 0.5 < z < 1.7$ for determining cosmological distances, measuring the expansion rate of the Universe as a function of time, and characterizing the nature of dark energy. The central concept for our proposed Dark Energy Space Telescope (DESTINY) is an all-grism NIR survey camera. SNe will be discovered by repeated imaging of an area located at the north ecliptic pole. Grism spectra with resolving power R=75 will provide broad-band spectrophotometry, redshifts, SNe classification, as well as valuable time-resolved diagnostic data for understanding the SN explosion physics. Our approach features only a single observing mode with no time-critical operations, a single detector technology, and a single instrument. Although grism spectroscopy is slow compared to SN detection in any single broad -band filter for photometry, or to conventional slit spectra for spectral diagnostics, the multiplex advantage of observing a large field-of-view over a full octave in wavelength simultaneously makes this approach highly competitive.

Full Presentation [PDF 680K]

DCT - Ted Bowell
Institution: Lowell Observatory
Title: Lowell Observatory's Discovery Channel Telescope

Abstract:
Lowell Observatory is developing a 4.2-m wide-field telescope having significant capabilities for solar system and broad spectrum astronomical research. The Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT) will be able to switch rapidly between 2-deg-FOV imaging using a prime-focus camera and 30-arcmin-FOV instruments at Ritchey-Chretien focus. The DCT is to be located 65 km SSE of Flagstaff, Arizona, at 2360 m altitude. The site produces year-round median image quality of 0.84 arcsec, with a first-quartile averaging 0.61 arcsec. The DCT will feature active optics and alignment capability, and the prime focus camera will contain 40 2k x 4k CCDs. The maximum RC instrument payload of about 2300 kg will be suitable for large instruments or suites of co-mounted instruments. Preliminary mechanical and optical designs have been completed, and a concept design review took place in July 2004. First light is currently scheduled for 2009. The telescope is being developed in partnership with Discovery Communications, Inc., which will use it and the association with Lowell Observatory to devise educational programming about astronomy and technology. Lowell Observatory is seeking additional partnerships for DCT.

Full Presentation [PDF 9.1M]

Session VI: Facilities for Follow-up (2:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
Chair: Tony Tyson, UC Davis

Large Telescopes/Instruments - Jeremy Mould
Institution: NOAO
Title: Large Telescopes/Instruments

Abstract:
Every night LSST is expected to survey over 3000 sq deg and compare objects brighter than 24th magnitude with a template image. The demand for spectroscopic followup of supernovae, gamma ray bursters, novae, and active galactic nuclei will confront the available resources of the U.S. system: IMACS, GWFMOS, Hectospec, MODS, HET's spectrographs and their successors. To plan to make the most of this opportunity, we should develop the capability to followup LSST's precursors: PanStarrs and the Dark Energy Camera. There will also be a need for imaging follow-up to supplement the LSST's limited cadence.

Full Presentation [PDF 4.7M]

Small Telescope Networks - Charles Bailyn
Institution: Yale University

Abstract: none provided
Full Presentation [PDF 15.9K]

The Telescope System - Keivan Stassun
Institution: Vanderbilt University
Title: Photometric Searches for Young, Eclipsing Binary Stars

Abstract:
We describe an ongoing, large-scale program to search for young, eclipsing binary stars. Once identified, these rare systems are followed up with intensive photometric monitoring on small telescopes and spectroscopic monitoring on large telescopes. The fundamental stellar parameters derived from these systems (masses, radii, luminosities) can be used for stringent tests of pre-main-sequence stellar evolution models, for calibrating the stellar initial mass function, and for constraining the timescale for planet formation.

Full Presentation [PDF 2.5M]

Microlensing Followup - Dave Bennett
Institution: University of Notre Dame
Title: Time Critical Follow-up of Microlensing Events: Lessons for LSST

Abstract:
Much of the success of the microlensing projects of the past decade has been enabled by the "alert" or "early warning" systems that allow the discovery of microlensing events while they are in progress. These alert systems have much in common with a system that will be needed for the detection of transients with LSST, and I will discuss the implications of the microlensing experience for LSST planning.

Full Presentation [PDF 287K]

Session VII: Breakout Groups (3:30 - 5:30 p.m.)
Group 1 - Solar System (Chair: Zeljko Ivezic, University of Washington)
Group 2 - Galactic (Chair: Kem Cook, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Optical Astronomy Observatory)
Group 3 - Extragalactic (Chair: Todd Boroson, NOAO)

Session VIII: Breakout Group Presentation (8:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
Chair: Craig Hogan, University of Washington

Solar System - Zeljko Ivezic
Institution: University of Washington
Full Presentation [PDF 335K]

Galactic - Kem Cook
Institution: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Optical Astronomy
Full Presentation [PDF 9K]

Extragalactic - Todd Boroson
Institution: NOAO
Full Presentation [PDF 10K]

Summary Talks (9:30 - 12:00 p.m.)
Chair: Suzanne Hawley, University of Washington

Poster Summary - Phil Pinto

Institution: Steward Observatory

Full Presentation [PDF 25.3K]

Meeting Summary - Chris Stubbs

Institution: Harvard University

Full Presentation [PDF 44K]