Panel A: Do we understand the extremes of the universe?

• How did the Universe begin?
• What is dark matter and dark energy?
• Can we observe strong gravity in action?
• How do supernovae and gamma-ray bursts work?
• How do black hole accretion, jets and outflows operate?
• What do we learn about the Universe from energetic radiation and particles?

Panel B: How do galaxies form and evolve?

• How did the universe emerge from its dark ages?
• How did the structure of the cosmic web evolve?
• Where are most of the chemical elements throughout cosmic time?
• What is the cycling of stars, gas and dust in galaxies?
• How did the Milky Way form?

Panel C: What is the origin and evolution of stars and planetary systems?

• How do stars and stellar systems form?
• Is the initial mass function of stars universal?
• What do we learn by probing stellar interiors?
• What is the life-cycle of the interstellar medium and stars?
• How do planetary systems form and evolve?
• What are the demographics of planets in the Galaxy? How do we tell which planets harbour life?

Panel D: How do we fit in?

• How do we study the Sun to explore fundamental astrophysical processes?
• What drives Solar variability on all scales?
• What is the impact of Solar Variability on life on Earth?
• What is the dynamical history of the Solar system?
• What can we learn from Solar system exploration about its formation and evolution?
• Where should we look for life in the Solar system?

These questions could be reformulated by the panels, when deemed necessary.