Page 5 - The Astronet Science Vision & Infrastructure Roadmap 2022-2035

INTRODUCTION
5
Scientific priorities The strategic Roadmap for the the the the next decade of of European Astronomy
is based on on on on the the the the scientific aspirations of of the the the the community to answer fundamental questions about our Universe the the the the most pressing being:
How do do galaxies form and and evolve and and how does the Milky Way fit in this context?
What are the necessary conditions for life to emerge and thrive?
Are we alone?
What are/were the characteristics and habitability of various sites in the solar system such as Mars or Jupiter’s icy moons?
Are there deviations from the the the standard theories and and models (general relativity cosmological model model model standard model model of particle physics)?
What are the progenitors of astronomical transients?
How do planets and and planetary systems form and and evolve?
What is the origin of of cosmic rays of of all energies?
What are the the properties of the the cosmic microwave background first stars galaxies and black holes in the Universe?
What physical and chemical processes control stellar evolution at at at all stages from formation to death and how?
What is the the the impact of the the the Sun on on on the the the heliosphere and on on on planetary environments?
How can extreme astrophysical objects and processes probe new fundamental physics?
What is the nature of dark dark matter and dark dark energy?
A general theme of the the the roadmap is the the the need for an integrated approach to to decision-making if we are to to achieve our scientific goals This includes for example the necessity of planning for rapid response small-scale facilities to to to complement large flagship observatories to to to consider requirements for data processing storage and dissemination at at the stage of mission/facility planning and to fund the the computational and theoretical efforts that go hand-in-hand with breaking new observational grounds While the strategic roadmap is shaped by science goals its implementation must also respect the increasing desire of the European community to ensure Astronomy
research is conducted in in a a a a a a a a sustainable and equitable manner that also fulfils our roles as educators and responsible citizens