Issues in Physics & Astronomy

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Issues in Physics & Astronomy Board on Physics and Astronomy · The National Academies · Washington, D.C. · 202-334-3520 · nationalacademies.org/bpa · Winter 2010

Unveiling the Black Hole and its Environs at the Center of the Milky Way A. Ghez, UCLA

he proximity of our galaxy’s center presence of a million solar masses (Mo) • How do stars interact with super- presents us with a unique oppor- of dark matter and confined it to within a massive black holes? tunity to study a galactic nucleus radius of 0.1 pc—to a probability—when • What is the nature of the matter Twith orders of magnitude higher spatial proper motion velocity dispersion mea- flows induced by the black hole in its resolution than can be brought to bear on surements increased the inferred dark neighborhood? any other galaxy. After more than a decade mass density by 3 orders of magnitude It has been known for some time that 12 3 of diffraction-limited imaging with the to 10 Mo/pc and eliminated a cluster there is a population of young stars around rudimentary technique of speckle imag- of dark objects as a possible explana- the center of the Milky Way. The presence ing at Keck and NTT/VLT, the case for tion of the galaxy’s central dark mass of these young stars was used initially to a supermassive black hole at the galactic concentration—and finally to a certainty— argue that there could not be a black hole; center has improved dramatically. The case when individual stellar orbits confined this argument went as follows. Premise: has moved from a possibility—when the the central dark mass to within 0.0004 pc the tidal forces around a black hole must earlier, low angular resolution, dynami- (90 AU) and thereby increased the dark be overcome for stars to form. Premise: cal measurements of the gas and stars at mass density by another four orders of the observed gas densities at the galatic the center of the Milky Way suggested the magnitude. This dark mass density has center are simply not high enough for the eliminated the fermion ball hypothesis as self-gravity of the gas to overcome the tidal an alternative and now the center of the forces and coalesce into stars. Conclusion: Milky Way presents not only the closest if there are young stars present, there can- In this issue: example of a supermassive black hole, but not be a black hole. • Black Hole. Page 1 the strongest case for their existence. Our As previously stated, however, the case • Astro2010 Update. Page 2 galaxy has therefore become an exquisite for the supermassive black hole is much laboratory for learning by example about stronger today than at the time of the first • Spectrum Release. Page 2 supermassive black holes and their envi- discovery of young stars. Furthermore, • RIPLS Release. Page 4 rons at the centers of other galaxies. adaptive optics observations have revealed The recent advent of adaptive optics additional young stars much closer where • DUSEL. Page 6 (AO) has expanded significantly the the tidal forces demand 1,000 times higher • Science & Entertainment. Page 9 scientific reach of high-spatial-resolution gas densities to form stars, greatly enhanc- infrared studies of the center of our galaxy ing “the paradox of youth” at the center of • NP2010. Page 10 through the addition of diffraction-limited our galaxy. With observations that span a • BPA Fall Meeting. Page 11 spectroscopy and significantly improved greater time-baseline and are more precise, imaging capabilities. This has made it it has been possible to estimate the orbits • Standing Committees. Page 13 possible to address a number of questions, of young stars at larger radii than those • Science & Congress. Page 15 including: used to reveal the black hole. At these • How do young stars come to reside • Staff News. Page 15 in the vicinity of a supermassive black hole? See “Black Hole” on page 2 BPA News · Winter 2010

Black Hole Spectrum Management for (continued from page 1) Science in the 21st Century larger distances, a disk of young stars has D. Lang, BPA Staff been revealed suggesting that they formed from a pre-existing dense gas disk. In this ecognizing the growing impor- in-person meetings, four town hall meet- case, it is quite likely that when these stars tance of radio observations to ings, and numerous teleconferences in the were forming our black hole was much their respective missions and the development of its report. The committee’s more active than it is today. Rincreasing potential for interference from work was aided by presentations from a Adaptive optics observations of stars new wireless technologies, NASA, the De- number of outside experts who provided in the vicinity of the Milky Way’s super- partment of Commerce, and NSF commis- detailed information at in-person meet- massive black hole have revealed a second sioned the NRC to identify the spectrum ings. The below text is taken from the surprise. Theoretical work suggests that needs of today’s scientific activities and summary of the committee’s final report, old stars should be highly concentrated in to assist spectrum managers in balancing Spectrum Management for Science in the a cusp around the black hole, providing the requirements of scientific uses of the 21st Century. both an alternative method (searches for spectrum with those of other interests. The Natural radio emissions from objects as cusps) for identifying supermassive black committee discussed the original charge to diverse as hurricanes and distant galaxies holes in cases where dynamical studies are the committee at length, and chose to con- yield vital information about Earth and its not possible and predictions of how stars sider only the passive (“receive-only”) sci- place in the universe. Radio observations are accreted onto the black hole. However, entific applications of the radio spectrum, of Earth are central to weather forecast- recent observations show a dearth of old and specifically how the requirements stars compared to what is expected at our of spectrum could be expected to evolve galactic nuclei. These observations are pro- over the next two decades. This decision Committee on Scientific Use of the viding unique insight into how black holes stemmed from the committee’s recognition Radio Spectrum Membership interact with their environment and hence that passive scientific uses involve unique Marshall H. Cohen, Co-chair, California how black holes grow over time, and they issues. Institute of Technology are modifying our views of the possible To address its task, the NRC’s Com- Albin J. Gasiewski, Co-chair, University of populations of supermassive black holes. mittee on Scientific Use of the Radio Colorado at Boulder Adaptive optics observations of the Spectrum—comprising representatives Donald Backer, University of California, galactic center have also resulted in the first of universities, private industry, and Berkeley detection of infrared emission associated nonprofit organizations—employed four Roberta Balstad, Columbia University with the central supermassive black hole. Steven W. Ellingson, Virginia Polytechnic Along with providing the best constraints Institute and State on theoretical models for low accretion Darrel Emerson, National Radio Astronomy rate flows—important for galactic nuclei Astro2010 Update Observatory and also for x-ray binaries—those observa- Aaron S. Evans, Stony Brook University Joel Johnson, The Ohio State University tions also provide detection of the galatic he Astro2010 Decadal Survey Paul Kolodzy, Kolodzy Consulting, LLC center’s dramatic short-timescale infrared on Astronomy and Astrophysics David Kunkee, The Aerospace Corporation continues to move forward. The variations showing red noise behavior and Molly K. Macauley, Resources for the a power-law break consistent with the x-ray Tnine panel reports recently entered the Future, Inc. variability seen in active galactic nuclei. NRC’s peer-review process and the survey James M. Moran, Harvard-Smithsonian With high spatial resolution capabili- committee held their last two (closed) Center for Astrophysics ties on large-ground based telescope, data meetings at the end of January and Feb- Lee G. Mundy, University of Maryland at analysis techniques continuing to improve, ruary. The survey committee’s report is College Park and larger telescopes on the horizon, the scheduled to enter NRC review in the Timothy J. Pearson, California Institute of next decade promises new discoveries in spring. The prepublication versions of the Technology galactic center research. Specifically, future survey committee report and the panel re- Christopher Ruf, University of Michigan measurements are expected to reveal ports are expected to be released later this Frederick S. Solheim, Radiometrics Corporation deviations from Keplerian orbits, enabling summer. Check the survey’s webpage at David H. Staelin, Massachusetts Institute of both tests of general relativity and mea- www.nationalacademies.org/astro2010 for Technology further updates on the release of the report surements of the extended dark-matter Alan B. Tanner, Jet Propulsion Laboratory distribution. n over the summer months. n BPA News · Winter 2010

ing and climate studies, and observa- vices (Earth Exploration-Satellite Service The current regulatory regime is strain- tions of the cosmos are similarly critical [EESS] and Radio Astronomy Service ing to enable the capabilities and meet the for increasing our understanding of the [RAS]), which do not radiate. Transmitters needs of the various communities of users. universe and answering grand questions for the active services create an artificial As the active and the passive services are such as that on the origin of planets. Such “electronic fog,” which can cause confusion increasing their use of the spectrum, the information is gathered by geoscientists and, in severe cases, totally blind the EESS potential for interference, already strong, using complex Earth-orbiting satellites and RAS receivers. is also increasing. A new plan is needed and ground-based equipment and by radio Complex rules govern the occupancy to preserve the radio spectrum, in which astronomers using large, ground-based and use of the electromagnetic spectrum, important scientific discoveries are made radio telescopes. Signals from natural both nationally and globally, but these and civilian and government remote sens- radio emissions are extremely weak, and rules have not adequately evolved with ing operations are conducted, while allow- the equipment used to measure them is technology. Rapid technological improve- ing for growth that serves an increasingly becoming more sophisticated and more ments, such as those that exploit the mobile society. sensitive. diversity of the radio spectrum in space, The next generation of spectrum- The radio spectrum is also being used frequency, polarization, and time, have management policies must enable better by radiating, or “active,” services, ranging exponentially increased the capabilities of sharing of the RF spectrum as well as from aircraft radars to rapidly expanding scientific, commercial, and government diminishing the impact users have on the consumer services such as cellular tele- users. Still, inefficiencies in spectrum use spectrum. This can be done by exploiting phones and wireless Internet. These valu- exist while demand increases, and most currently available technologies and has- able active services transmit radio waves regulations are not aligned with or even tening the development of nascent tech- and thereby potentially interfere with the cognizant of the special needs of passive receive-only, or “passive,” scientific ser- scientific users. See “Spectrum Management” on page 4

Hurricane Katrina, 20050829, 1214 UTC knots +32° 50

+30°

+28° 25

+26°

+24° 0 − 92° − 90° − 88° − 86°

(Left) Image of the wind speed of Hurricane Katrina (in knots), observed by passive microwave radiometers on WindSat, a Naval Research Laboratory satellite, as Katrina makes landfall near New Orleans on August 28, 2005. (Right) Output from a model that combines data from WindSat and other remote sensing instruments. The modelFigure provides 2-9a information (left) on the hurricane’s wind speed. The values over land are extrapolations. Courtesy of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Figure 2-9b (right) R01628 R01628 fully editable vectors uneditable bitmapped images BPA News · Winter 2010

Spectrum Management (continued from page 3)

nologies. New policies should encourage NA societal function and requires proactive TIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL the development of the means for direct management to remain available—in this interaction between active and passive case for scientific purposes. Although the spectrum users, the development and impacts of the passive services are difficult implementation of technology to address to quantify, they are valuable to society radio frequency interference (RFI), and a 21 THE IN SCIENCE FOR MANAGEMENT SPECTRUM for providing vital information for climate regulatory environment that enables shar- and weather studies and in allowing astro- ing the spectrum in both space and time. SPECTRUM nomical studies of the heavens. Like public This is a “win-win” scenario that will enable MANAGEMENT parkland, the quiet radio bands deserve additional scientific uses without impact- protection too. ing commercial development. But these FOR SCIENCE It would be in the interest of the nation

new initiatives are not easy to implement, ST to ensure that access to spectrum for sci- CENTUR IN THE nor will they ensure success. It will take a entific purposes is maintained during the Y ST national effort to understand clearly the 21 CENTURY coming decades. The committee’s recom-

needs of both communities, scientific and THE NA mendations provide a pathway for putting commercial, and to motivate each to make TIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS in place the regulatory mechanisms and the choices necessary to enable greater ac- associated supporting research activities cess for each to the radio spectrum. necessary to accomplish this important In one sense, spectrum for passive task. The committee believes that such a purposes (including Earth remote sens- pathway will also lead to greater efficiency ing and radio astronomy) can be likened in the active use of the spectrum, which to parkland preserved for public use. The should benefit all direct and indirect true societal value of small parcels of land to society through operations in support of consumers of wireless telecommunications defies monetization, for which reason environmental prediction and provide sci- and data services. these parcels require proactive measures entific intellectual value. A small fraction The full report can be accessed at for their preservation and shared use. The of the radio spectrum allocated for passive http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_ passive services both offer a critical return purposes performs a similarly valuable id=12800. n

Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences J. Lancaster, BPA Staff

lmost since their inception, the at San Diego) and Erin O’Shea (Harvard problems, often in ways far removed from natural sciences, those fields that University) was charged with providing a when they were first conceived. Most of use the scientific method to study conceptual framework for assessing work the problems being addressed at this inter- Anature, have been divided into two branch- in this area, to then use that framework to section are of a biological nature, largely es: the biological sciences and the physical describe some of the current work and the because of the incredible richness of this sciences. Today, while most research in more promising opportunities for future field. The new ways of looking at these these sciences remains principally biologi- efforts, and finally, to set out strategies for problems often come from the physical cal or physical, more and more scientists enabling this type of research so that the sciences. Those ways might be concep- are now deliberately and consciously United States can take full advantage of the tual—approaches for looking at and solv- addressing problems lying at the intersec- opportunities at this intersection. ing problems—or analytical—methods for tion of these traditional areas. The Com- A good way to think of research at this extracting understanding from data—or mittee on Research at the Intersection of intersection is that it takes various ways of technical—tools for collecting information the Physical and Life Sciences, co-chaired looking at things—both figuratively and needed to address the problem at hand. by Peter Wolynes (University of California literally—and uses them to tackle new But it is this intermingling of problems in BPA News · Winter 010 5

one arena and using methods for looking in living systems such as adaptation, at them from another arena that makes feedback, and emergent behavior. Ideas of this area so rich. pattern formation that are at the heart of Research at the Intersection of Interestingly, some of the current condensed matter physics now help us to the Physical and Life Sciences work being explored at this intersec- understand biological self-assembly and Committee Membership tion share common conceptual themes. the development of biological systems. Erin K. O’Shea, Co-chair, Harvard Interactions appear in both branches, Th e committee’s report discusses University albeit with much diff erent content and some of the promising opportunities for Peter G. Wolynes, Co-chair, University of contexts. Descriptions of how individual future eff orts in the form of fi ve Grand California at San Diego particles interactwhat forces and energy Challenges – Robert H. Austin, Princeton University Bonnie L. Bassler, Howard Hughes Medical exchanges cause crystalline materials to • Grand Challenge 1. Natural sub- Institute/Princeton University form and matter in all phases to display stances display remarkable architecture, Charles R. Cantor, Sequenom, Inc. characteristic behavior and to undergo demonstrating the immense breadth William F. Carroll, Jr., Occidental Chemical phase changesare mainstays of the world of what can be achieved in developing Corporation of physics. However, these ways of think- structures and systems. Can the skills and Th omas R. Cech, Howard Hughes Medical ing about and discussing how inanimate knowledge-sets of biological and physical Institute objects interact have been found useful to scientists be combined to provide greater Christopher Field, Carnegie Institution of scientists attempting to answer questions insight into identifying those structures, Washington about the interplay of biological matter at capabilities and processes that form the Graham R. Fleming, Lawrence Berkeley many diff erent levels. basis for living systems, and then can that National Laboratory Another area fi nding fertile ground insight be used to construct systems with Robert J. Full, University of California at and producing fruitful cross-disciplines some of the characteristics of life that Berkeley Shirley Ann Jackson, Rensselaer Polytechnic research opportunities centers on the dy- are capable, for example, of synthesizing Institute namics of systems. Equilibrium, multista- materials or carrying out functions as yet Laura L. Kiessling, University of Wisconsin bility, and stochastic behavior—concepts unseen in natural biology? at Madison familiar to physicists and chemists—are • Grand Challenge 2. Th e human Charles M. Lovett, Jr., Williams College now being used to tackle issues involved brain may be nature’s most complex sys- Dianne K. Newman, Massachusetts Institute tem. Can we understand how it works and of Technology build on that understanding to predict Monica Olvera de la Cruz, Northwestern brain function? Addressing this challenge University will require drawing on the resources of Jose N. Onuchic, University of California at the physical sciences, both existing and to San Diego be developed, from imaging techniques to Gregory A. Petsko, Brandeis University modeling capabilities. Astrid Prinz, Emory University Charles V. Shank, Janelia Farm, HHMI • Grand Challenge 3. Genes and the Boris I. Shraiman, Kavli Institute of environment interact to produce living Th eoretical Physics organisms. Can we deepen our under- H. Eugene Stanley, Boston University standing of those interactions to begin to George M. Whitesides, Harvard University ReseaRch at the inteRsection of comprehend how organisms change over the physical and life sciences time—how they age and heal, for example—and from that understanding realize the promise of personalized medicine and access to better health care? standing how these mechanisms interplay • Grand Challenge 4. Earth interacts and use that understanding to develop with its climate and the biosphere through strategies that will preserve this heritage? strikingly diff erent yet intertwined mecha- • Grand Challenge 5. Living systems nisms that operate over vast ranges of time display remarkable diversity, serving to and space. Can life and physical scientists develop an eff ective approach for under- See “RIPLS” on page 6 BPA News · Winter 2010

RIPLS (continued from page 5) protect communities from harm. As the establish curricula and training opportuni- eries in tens of thousands of laboratories result of human activities, however, this ties to prepare the next generation of sci- and identifying and overcoming scientific diversity is declining yet efforts to under- entists to grapple with the questions posed and bureaucratic barriers to rapidly trans- stand the role of diversity in the health of a at this intersection. The report also makes late scientific breakthroughs into diagnos- species or ecosystem has only recently been recommendations to help provide better tics and therapeutics that serve patients. undertaken. Can knowledge gained at the support and guidance for research in these New cultures must be forged and scien- intersection of the life and physical sciences areas. All too often, the most interesting tists must grow as comfortable in them teach us how to prosper while sustaining questions that researchers seek to address as they are in their existing subcultures. the diversity that allows life to flourish? here do not readily fall within the purview There must be funding for work in those The strategies for enabling and en- of a particular agency program or review new cultures that extends beyond exist- hancing work at this intersection are structure. Accordingly, the report calls for ing-culture “stove pipes.” Most important, both implicit and explicit. By describing changes in funding mechanisms that will they must prepare the rising generation to the vast array of outstanding questions produce effective collaboration and cooper- mine new-culture opportunities without at this intersection, the committee hopes ation among federal agencies that support losing touch with scientists in the tradi- to intrigue some of its fellow scientists to research in the physical and life sciences. tional disciplines or the principles of such venture into this area and perhaps find As noted by President Obama in his re- disciplines. The future will be driven by interesting questions to address. Of the marks to the National Academy of Scienc- progress at this intersection. The report report’s explicit recommendations for es in April 2009, change and convergence with the full recommendations of the com- enabling and enhancing work at this inter- are key to fully meeting the challenges and mittee can be accessed at http://www.nap. section, several are directed towards those opportunities at this intersection: edu/catalog.php?record_id=12809. n administering the faculties and resources In biomedicine . . . we can harness the of our great research institutions. Namely, historic convergence between life sciences Remarks by the President at the National educational institutions need to develop and physical sciences that’s underway today Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting on April 27, multidisciplinary research and education [by] undertaking public projects—in the 2009; available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_ press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-the-Na- opportunities that transcend the traditional spirit of the Human Genome Project—to tional-Academy-of-Sciences-Annual-Meeting/. Last departmental structure, and they need to create data and capabilities that fuel discov- accessed September 3, 2009.

An Assessment of the Science Proposed for a Deep Underground Science Laboratory D. Shapero, BPA Director

Responding to the high priority placed Lead, South Dakota. The primary drivers The assessment will focus on (1) the major on a program of underground science have been a number of physics experi- physics questions that could be addressed by the physics community (Connecting ments that require placing advanced detec- with the experiments being proposed for Quarks with the Cosmos, 2003), and its tors underground in order to protect them DUSEL, (2) how the infrastructure being inclusion in the most recent long range from cosmic rays. However, independent considered for DUSEL could impact re- plans produced by the High Energy Phys- opportunities have been identified in other search in fields other than physics, (3) the ics Advisory Panel and the Nuclear Science fields (geosciences, engineering, environ- need for DUSEL in the context of similar Advisory Committee, the National Science ment, and biology) that would also benefit programs worldwide, and (4) broader Foundation (NSF) and the Department from the infrastructure needed for those impacts of these activities in areas such as of Energy (DOE) are actively engaged in proposed DUSEL physics experiments. education and public outreach. developing a program for a deep under- In response to a formal request from The 2003 NRC report, Connecting ground science and engineering laboratory DOE and NSF, the NRC, through the BPA, Quarks with the Cosmos: Eleven Science environment (DUSEL) to be located in a has proposed the formation of a committee Questions for the New Century, concluded former mine (Homestake) situated near to assess the proposed DUSEL program. that the science case for a deep under- BPA News · Winter 2010

ground science laboratory is compelling. “...Though some pioneering under- oscillation of solar electron neutrinos, but The following is an excerpt from that report. ground experiments were done here in the required a depth of 6,000 mwe to achieve “Between the 1896 discovery of radio- early 1980s, Japan created a major research sufficiently low cosmic-ray backgrounds. activity and the development of particle program in this new area at the Kamioka The establishment of appropriate infra- accelerators, the cosmic rays constantly mine. In 1998, data from Super-Kamio- structure to assemble and operate SNO at bombarding Earth were essential tools for kande, at a depth of about 3,000 meters of this depth accounted for a substantial part scientific progress in particle physics… water equivalent (mwe), provided convinc- of the cost and the construction time. With the known exception of neutrinos, ing evidence that muon neutrinos mix, or “The Laboratori Nazionali del Gran which penetrate everything, most cosmic oscillate, with electron or tau neutrinos. Sasso, in Italy, and a facility in the Baksan rays are readily absorbed in the atmosphere This can occur only if neutrinos have mass. valley in Russia are two general-purpose and in Earth’s surface. However, muons are “About 30 years ago, U.S. investigators national underground laboratory facilities. absorbed only slowly as they pass through found the first indications of oscillations With substantial infrastructure and good matter. The most penetrating muons, which in electron-family solar neutrinos at the access, Gran Sasso (3,400 mwe) represents can produce other radioactive particles, can Homestake mine (located near the level of the kind of facility required to make prog- be removed only by locating the experiment the existing chlorine-argon experiment). ress in this field. However, Gran Sasso and under a substantial overburden. Scientists Since then, other experiments in Europe Baksan have limited remaining experimen- have sought ever deeper underground en- and Asia have seen similar manifestations tal space and insufficient depth for some vironments, well shielded from cosmic-ray of electron-neutrino oscillations. The experiments at the cutting edge today. muons, to carry out the forefront experi- Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) in ments that address our questions. Canada unambiguously demonstrated the See “DUSEL” on page 8

Image credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation. BPA News · Winter 2010

DUSEL (continued from page 7)

“The richness of the information re- experiments. Like oscillation experiments, terial purification and detector fabrication quires many approaches. Some data will be double beta decay experiments require facilities, and shielded clean rooms with obtained using neutrinos made on Earth at extraordinarily low backgrounds and radon scrubbing for assembly of radioac- reactors and at accelerators... Other experi- hence great depths. Massive neutrinos may tivity-sensitive detector elements. ments can utilize neutrinos created in the even play a role in the origin of the matter- “As far as we know, the proton is com- Sun and the atmosphere… Appropriate antimatter asymmetry critical to the exis- pletely stable. However, there are reasons tence of ordinary matter in the universe… to believe that the proton is merely long “…[Massive neutrinos] are unlikely to lived… The observation of proton decay constitute the bulk of the dark matter. The would be evidence for a grander theory of lightest supersymmetric particle (neu- the elementary particles and would help to tralino) or the axion are more plausible explain the very existence of matter as well candidates…[but neutralino] production as its ultimate demise… Though proton may be beyond the capabilities of existing decay experiments typically require only and planned accelerators. It is therefore modest depth, the envisaged large detector essential to seek evidence for neutralinos masses dictate substantial infrastructure, in direct searches…New techniques for including some of the capabilities de- neutralino searches under development scribed above… show promise. These include high-purity “An underground facility would pro- germanium detectors, very massive liquid vide capabilities to do more than address xenon detectors, and scaling up of the the scientific issues discussed above [and current cryogenic detector techniques. To in] many cases, with present knowledge extend sensitivity, potential techniques and available technologies, our questions include very large low-pressure drift cham- on dark matter, neutrino mass, and proton bers, phonon asymmetry in isotopically stability are ripe for major experimental pure crystals, or detection of the mechani- breakthroughs… An underground facility cal recoils. All these new possibilities are in North America is required if the United exciting but extremely challenging, and States is to play a significant leadership they will require sustained development. role in the next generation of underground underground facilities are essential to do “Future neutralino searches will likely experiments. Several proposals exist to either [type of experiment]; one facility require greater depth. The irreducible provide a site in North America, includ- could conceivably do both. Many tech- background in such experiments is that ing deeper levels at the Homestake mine, niques are being studied to carry out these of high-energy neutrons (produced by a site at San Jacinto, and expansion of the experiments, and most require substantial penetrating muons), which cause nuclear scientific area in the Sudbury mine. With depth, in some cases at least 4,000 mwe. recoils in the detector that appear identical appropriate commitment to infrastructure “…The search for neutrinoless double to the neutralino scattering. Such a neu- and experiments, any of these sites could beta decay can reveal if neutrinos are tron background is already close to being provide the depths required for important their own antiparticles, and can yield a limiting factor in second-generation future experiments. [The Homestake mine information about neutrino masses. Such experiments at depths of 2,000 mwe. Neu- has now been selected as the proposed site experiments now probe neutrino masses tralino search experiments will also ben- for DUSEL.]” as small as a few tenths of an electron-volt; efit from common infrastructure at such The full report, ConnectingQuarks proposed experiments might be able to a laboratory. Specific examples include with the Cosmos: Eleven Science Questions probe neutrino masses as small as 0.01 eV. a monitoring facility for the radioactive for the New Century, can be accessed at Reaching this level is important as it background, availability of materials stored http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_ includes the smallest mass consistent with underground for long times so the cosmic id=10079. n that implied by the atmospheric neutrino ray activation has gone, underground ma- BPA News · Winter 2010 NAS Announces Initiative to Connect Entertainment Industry with Top Experts M. O’Leary, NAS Office of News and Public Information ust over a year ago, The National scientific truth, but more importantly, we Academy of Sciences (NAS) an- will have the ability to invent and explore nounced the creation of “The Science the unknown with the great visionaries of Jand Entertainment Exchange,” an initia- science,” said Jerry. Janet Zucker added, tive designed to connect entertainment “The Exchange will provide a place where industry professionals with top scientists scientific and artistic minds can come and engineers to help the creators of televi- together to inspire each other, building a sion shows, films, video games, and other two-way street for both communities to productions incorporate science into their learn and create.” work. The Exchange represents the Acad- Relying on the special connections emy’s first formal effort to reach out to the available to the NAS, the Exchange can A January 2010 film screening at the E Street Landmark Theater in DC for ‘Creation,’ a film entertainment community and provide make introductions, schedule briefings, depicting the life of Charles Darwin. Pictured the creative minds of Hollywood with a and arrange for consultations for anyone here, from left to right: evolutionary biologist direct connection to the creative minds of developing science-based entertainment Sean B. Carroll, writer Randal Keynes, director science. content. Endorsed by the Directors Guild Jon Amiel, geneticist Maxine Singer, science “Television and film can involve the of America, Writers Guild of America, historian Richard Milner, and moderator Bob Mondello (film critic for NPR). public in the latest advances in science, Producers Guild of America, the En- medicine, and technology,” said NAS Presi- tertainment Industry Foundation, and dent Ralph J. Cicerone. “By building strong Women in Film, this new resource is being connections between the entertainment promoted to all levels of writers, directors, of Family Guy), the symposium attracted and science communities, we’re hoping to producers, and others in the entertainment more than 300 participants including provide an important service to both Holly industry. Professionals involved in the writers, directors, producers, production wood and the viewing public.” creative process may contact the Exchange designers and executives, as well as scien- Director Jerry Zucker and his wife, to be connected with scientists, engineers, tists, engineers, and health professionals. producer Janet Zucker, actively support the health professionals, and other experts for Sessions were divided into six topic areas: initiative. “The Exchange will provide film- help with their productions and stories. climate change and energy; astronomy makers with an invaluable connection to As science and technology have be- and cosmology; genomics; artificial intel- come staples of American television, the ligence and robotics; rare and infectious bar has been raised for better and more ac- diseases; and the brain and mind. The curate science. Forensic investigation and symposium was funded by the National medical shows such as CSI, House, and ER Academy of Sciences; CuresNow founding routinely incorporate cutting-edge science members Lucy Fisher, Doug Wick, and into their scripts. Studio films similarly Janet and Jerry Zucker; Davis Masten and capitalize on science themes. Movies such Christopher Ireland; Bob and Anne James; as Children of Men, Mission Impossible, the California Endowment in partnership Déjà Vu, and A Beautiful Mind enlisted with Hollywood, Health & Society; and the some aspect of science and technology to Howard Hughes Medical Institute. help tell their stories, while others like Iron The director of the Science and Enter- Man, Minority Report, Watchmen, and the tainment Exchange is Jennifer Ouellette, Star Trek series depend very heavily on a an author and science writer. “Tapping foundation of science. into the NAS’ database of experts will be a The Exchange was formally introduced tremendous resource for Hollywood,” she to the Hollywood community during a said. “Our goal is to bridge the gap be- symposium attended by entertainment tween engaging content and science.” The industry professionals in Los Angeles on Exchange will be based in Los Angeles. For NAS President, Ralph Cicerone, and the Zuckers November 19th, 2008. Hosted by writer more information visit www.scienceanden- at the Nov 19th, 2008 symposium in LA. and producer Seth MacFarlane (creator tertainmentexchange.org. n 10 BPA News · Winter 2010 A New Decadal Survey of Nuclear Physics D. Shapero, BPA Director

fter a hiatus while the most recent 1. Quark Structure of the Nucleus. ing the physics if the quark-gluon plasma. DOE-NSF program plan was be- U.S. efforts have been successful in prob- Experiments at RHIC have revealed a new ing completed, the BPA concluded ing the quark structure of the nucleus at state of nuclear matter: a “quark-gluon Athat the time was right to propose a new the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator liquid.” New momentum will be gener- survey of nuclear physics (NP2010) in the Facility (CEBAF). The 12GeV upgrade of ated with the “A Large Ion Collider Ex- context of the Physics 2010 series, taking CEBAF for testing QCD as the complete periment” (ALICE) program at the Large into account the international setting for theory for describing strong interactions is Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN that the field. DOE and NSF have provided complemented by large-scale international began operating in 2008. In the United support for the study and the committee is developments such as the Japan Proton States, an upgrade (RHIC-II) is being dis- currently being formed. Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) cussed. The long-range goals for the com- In recent years there have been several in Japan and the international Facility for munity should be discussed in the frame- studies of nuclear physics by the OECD Anti-proton and Ion Research (FAIR) at work of the international developments. global forum, by the Nuclear Science Ad- the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung 3. Nuclei Near the Limits of Stabil- visory Committee (NSAC) leading to the (GSI) in Germany. ity. The nuclear structure and astrophys- 2007 long-range plan, as well by National 2. Quark-Gluon Plasma. The Rela- ics community has increasingly focused Academies committees that have explored tivistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at on the study of nuclei near the limits of the most compelling science motivations Brookhaven National Laboratory has been stability. New U.S.-based developments for nuclear science. The most recent BPA the pioneering U.S. facility for investigat- and upgrades have been successful at the study of nuclear physics, Scientific Op- Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility at portunities with a Rare-Isotope Facility Oak Ridge National Laboratory (HRIBF/ in the United States (2007), assessed the NP2010: ORNL) and the NSCL/MSU. Other proj- value of a new facility for rare-ion beam An Assessment of and Outlook for ects are under development at ANL. This studies (FRIB). (An article summarizing Nuclear Physics Committee work is complemented by strong interna- that report is featured in the Winter 2006 Memberhip tional efforts in the successful upgrade of newsletter.) NP2010 will benefit from these Stuart J. Freedman, Chair, University of ISAC II at TRIUMF (Canada) and RIBF at reports and studies and will add value by California, Berkeley RIKEN (Japan), the imminent completion prioritizing U.S. opportunities and science Ani Aprahamian, University of Notre Dame of SPIRAL-II at GANIL (France), and the goals for nuclear physics in a global con- Ricardo Alarcon, Arizona State University recent final approval of FAIR at GSI (Ger- text. The objective is to provide a compre- Gordon A. Baym, University of Illinois many). The construction of the U.S. Facil- hensive decadal study with new insights, Elizabeth Beise, University of Maryland ity for Rare Ion Beams (FRIB) has been directions, and perspectives beyond those Richard F. Casten, Yale University identified as the highest priority in the of the NSAC Long-Range Plan for nuclear Jolie A. Cizewski, Rutgers, The State 2002 and 2008 NSAC Long-Range Plans University of New Jersey science. and needs to be discussed in the context Anna Hayes, Los Alamos National Laboratory Over the last decade, the field of of the related international developments. Roy J. Holt, Argonne National Laboratory nuclear physics has experienced a rapid Karlheinz Langanke, GSI Helmholtz (Plans for FRIB were the subject of a 2007 transformation, opening new frontiers Zentrum Darmstadt and Technische BPA report as previously indicated.) in addressing fundamental questions of Universität Darmstadt 4. Weak Interaction and Fundamental physics and astrophysics as well in its role Witold Nazarewicz, University of Tennessee Studies. Important new developments have in a large and growing number of applica- Krishna Rajagopal, Massachusetts Institute taken place in the study of weak interactions in society. New U.S. initiatives have of Technology tions and fundamental studies in nuclear been very successful in the last decade, but R.G. Hamish Robertson, University of physics. The recent successes of neutrino progress and long-range planning is most Washington physics and also nuclear astrophysics are effective when the context of international Thomas J. Ruth, TRIUMF/British Columbia based on the use of underground facilities efforts that play a growing role in nuclear Cancer Research Centre in Canada (SNO), Europe (Gran Sasso), Hendrik Schatz, Michigan State University science is taken into account. The follow- and Japan (Kamiokande) and a number NSCL ing scientific areas presently dominate the of smaller efforts. This work has triggered Robert E. Tribble, Texas A&M University nuclear physics efforts of the United States William A. Zajc, Columbia University new initiatives and upgrades worldwide. and the international community. The United States has played a major role BPA News · Winter 2010 11 as a scientific partner in these initiatives facility at CERN. Efforts are underway to The new 2010 NRC decadal re- but, to date, there has been no U.S.-based broaden the scientific program at the Oak port will prepare an assessment and deep underground facility available. The Ridge Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) outlook for nuclear physics research proposed DUSEL facility, with a site at the facility towards a broader range of nuclear- in the United States in the interna- Homestake Mine in Lead, SD, will play a physics-motivated measurements. The in- tional context. The first phase of the dominant role for the field; this role should volvement and program of the U.S. nuclear study will focus on developing a clear be discussed in the context of international physics community in these facilities has and compelling articulation of the developments to maximize its scientific im- been largely neglected in previous reports scientific rationale and objectives of pact on nuclear physics. The BPA will carry and should be addressed. nuclear physics. This phase would out a separate study of the science pro- 7. Additional Applications. Nuclear build on the 2007 NSAC Long-range posed for DUSEL, which includes a range physics has a large number of applications, Plan Report, placing the near-term of physics experiments as well as studies in ranging from medical and biological sci- goals of that report in a broader life sciences and geophysics. ence, isotope production, material analysis international context. 5. Ultracold Neutrons. Ultracold neu- techniques, homeland security, nuclear The second phase will put the long- trons at the Los Alamos Neutron Science forensics and defense related problems term priorities for the field (in terms Center (LANSCE /LANL) have emerged to energy production and waste disposal of major facilities, research infra- as a new tool for fundamental symmetry issues. These efforts have an enormous structure, and scientific manpower) studies. This effort is dominated by the societal impact and require a large nuclear- into a global context and develop a search for a neutron electric dipole mo- physics-trained and educated workforce. strategy that can serve as a frame- ment (EDM). Presently, new developments Indeed, a large number of the nuclear work for progress in U.S. nuclear are being pursued at the Paul Scherrer physics graduate students and postdocs physics through 2020 and beyond. Institute (PSI) in Switzerland and at the take permanent positions in one of these It will discuss opportunities to opti- high-flux reactor of the Institut Laue- applied fields of nuclear physics. The role mize the partnership between major Langevin (ILL) at Grenoble, France. New of nuclear physics in terms of applications facilities and the universities in areas initiatives are also under development at and societal needs for the new decade also such as research productivity and the the TRIUMF facility in Canada. needs further investigation. (The question recruitment of young researchers. It 6. Fast Neutron Beams. The role of fast of societal needs has been addressed in a will address the role of international neutron beams for nuclear physics stud- recent NSAC Education report.) collaboration in leveraging future ies also needs to be further explored. Fast NP2010 will carry out an independent U.S. investments in nuclear science. beams from neutron spallation sources are assessment of these activities and will The strategy will address means to presently used for studies of nuclear struc- identify areas where there are opportuni- balance the various objectives of the ture and nuclear astrophysics as well as ties for the United States effort to add field in a sustainable manner over the nuclear waste disposal studies at LANSCE/ value. The formal charge to the committee long term. n LANL and n_ToF (neutron time of flight) is as follows.

Highlights of the Board on Physics and Astronomy Fall Meeting Ed. C. Knutsen, BPA Staff

he Board on Physics and Astron (PASAG chair), Barry Barish (ILC Global priority was utilization of CERN’s Large omy met for its annual fall meet- Design Effort), and James Brau (ILC De- Hadron Collider (LHC) but the presenters ing on November 7-8, 2009, at tector R&D). There was much discussion offered different emphases on the future Tthe Beckman Center of the National of the EPP2010 report and the May 2008 position of United States. One discussion Academies in Irvine, California. Kicking “P5” report which describes the high en- focused on EPP2010’s impact on policy- off with a series of talks on the status of ergy physics (HEP) field in terms of three makers’ perception of HEP, particularly on particle physics in the United States, the thrusts: the energy frontier, the intensity accelerator physics, and noted that HEP board heard from Pier Oddone (Fermilab), frontier, and the cosmic frontier. There was folded back into the scope of the pro- Dennis Kovar (DOE’s Office High Energy was general agreement that the U.S. lead Physics), Joe Dehmer (NSF Physics), in accelerator physics was about to shift to Mel Shochet (HEPAP chair), Steve Ritz Europe and that the community’s foremost See “Highlights” on page 12 1 BPA News · Winter 2010

Highlights metallics research—was received with a the future will be able to test the effects of (continued from page 11) general enthusiasm by the board. general relativity in the vicinity of the Milky BPA member Andrea Ghez (UCLA) Way’s supermassive black hole. (For more posed budget doubling after the EPP2010 then gave a inspiring presentation, high- on Ghez’s research see Unveiling the Super- report was released. lighting how advances in adaptive optics massive Black Hole on page 1.) That afternoon the discussion turned have unraveled the mystery of the super Jennifer Ouellette (NAS), introduced to topics on various interfaces between dense object at the center of our galaxy. the NAS Science and Entertainment Ex- physics and other fields. BPA Chair Marc Over the past decade, adaptive optics has change (the Exchange), pointing out that Kastner (MIT) recounted the 1986 Brink- enabled a power of 20 improvement in the current public media attitude is that man decadal survey of physics and its resolution, allowing precise measurements it’s hip to be a scientist (citing shows such panel on interdisciplinary research, noting of the orbits of stars near the galactic center, as CIS, Bones, and the Mentalist), and the that while topics such as global warm- which has revealed that the compact, bright Exchange—a figurative 1-800-Find-A-Sci- ing and nonlinear optics appeared in the radio source known as Sagittarius A is a entist—can put the great minds of Hol- Brinkman report, it missed other develop- supermassive black hole. The next genera- lywood in touch with some of the greatest ments—for example, between cosmology tion of large telescopes, Ghez noted, will test scientific minds of the country, helping to and astronomy. The Brinkman report predictions for extended mass distributions enable connections between these vastly recommended, among other things, that and then the extremely large telescopes of different communities. Part of the Acad- Federal agencies devise ways to support emies’ mission is to inform the public on interdisciplinary research, and Kastner science and policy issues, and one way pointed out that this is an important topic toward that goal is through science enter- Board on Physics and and should now, almost a quarter-century tainment. “Does any of this, the Exchange, Astronomy Membership later, be revisited. really have an impact on public aware- BPA member Philip H. Bucksbaum Marc A. Kastner, Chair, Massachusetts ness?” a board member asked. Hollywood (Stanford) discussed Atomic, Molecular, Institute of Technology is an entertainment industry, Ouellette Adam S. Burrows, Vice-chair, Princeton and Optical (AMO) Sciences and Con- responded, we can’t look at them as a chief University densed-Matter Physics, noting the impact education tool, but they can inspire. Philip H. Bucksbaum, Stanford University Bringing the meeting to a close, Peter of the recent AMO2010 survey report on Patrick L. Colestock, Los Alamos National Michelson (Stanford) presented some other scientific fields, emerging technolo- Laboratory initial results from the Fermi gamma-ray gies, and national needs. Physics interfaces James Drake, University of Maryland with astronomy and astrophysics were re- James Eisenstein, California Institute of telescope that was launched in June 2008 viewed by BPA member Michael S. Turner Technology and discussed lessons learned in helping (U. Chicago); Turner cited the discovery of Andrea M. Ghez, University of California at organize this multi-agency, multi-country helium as an example of how astronomy has Los Angeles supported project. In preliminary results enriched physics and posed the question: Peter F. Green, University of Michigan taken over the past year, a large number of how might astronomy be different today if Laura H. Greene, University of Illinois, gamma-ray sources have been collected in there were only optical telescopes and no Urbana-Champaign various classes, several of which are new. Martha P. Haynes, Cornell University spectroscopy. The 400-year-old marriage of These classes include: gamma-ray pulsars Joseph Hezir, EOP Group, Inc. physics and astronomy has enriched both (of which they have observed 50 so far); Mark B. Ketchen, IBM Thomas J. Watson active galactic nuclei and blazars; and fields, and intertwined their agendas. Research Center gamma-ray bursts. Among the areas that The second day started off with an Joseph Lykken, Fermi National Accelerator will contribute from continued observations update on the Condensed Matter and Laboratory Materials Research Committee (CMMRC) Pierre Meystre, University of Arizona are dark matter searches, which will require from Barbara Jones (IBM); mentioning the Homer A. Neal, University of Michigan not only increased statistics but a better committees’ recent name change (formerly Monica Olvera de la Cruz, Northwestern understanding of the backgrounds encoun- the Solid State Sciences Committee), and University tered. The multi-agency and multi-country the revised statement of task. Jones’ review Jose N. Onuchic, University of California at aspects of the project required a conscious of two study proposals being evaluated by San Diego and continuing emphasis on teamwork by CMMRC—a proposal on properly support- Lisa Randall, Harvard University all contributors, which thus far, Michelson Charles V. Shank, Janelia Farm, HHMI ing the increasingly complex and computa- notes, has worked quite well. Michael S. Turner, The University of Chicago tionally intensive methods being developed The next board meeting will be held at Michael C.F. Wiescher, University of Notre the Keck Center of the National Academies for theoretical investigation and a proposal Dame on optimizing support for ceramics and in Washington, DC, on April 23-24, 2010. n BPA News · Winter 2010 13 Standing Committee Briefs J. Lancaster and D. Lang, BPA Staff

CAMOS industry on how AMO science can con- The fall meeting for the Committee on tribute to current GE work in the area of Condensed Matter and Materials Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Sciences, low-temperature plasmas. The final speak- Research Committee Membership er, Bill McCurdy (University of California chaired by Stephen Pratt (Argonne Na- Barbara Jones, Chair, IBM Almaden at Davis), discussed two developments in tional Laboratories), took place in Irvine, Monica Olvera de la Cruz, Vice-chair, ultrafast experimental capabilities—high California over the weekend of December Northwestern University 11-12, 2009. The principal focus of this harmonic generation and free electron Daniel Arovas, University of California, San meeting was on AMO science and energy lasers—that will yield important tools for Diego with the goal of assessing opportunities for helping to develop a more complete under- Collin L. Broholm, Johns Hopkins an NRC study on the contributions that standing of some of the physical processes University AMO scientists can make towards address- involved in generating energy sources and Paul Canfield, Ames Laboratory ing our country’s energy needs. The pre- in energy conversion. Paul Chaikin, New York University George Crabtree, Argonne National sentations began with an overview provid- Laboratory ed by committee member David Schultz CMMRC Andrea J. Liu, University of Pennsylvania (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), followed Barbara Jones (IBM) chaired the fall Joseph Orenstein, University of California by David Fahey (National Oceanic and At- at Berkeley meeting of the newly re-named Con- mospheric Administration), who spoke on Arthur P. Ramirez, University of California densed Matter and Materials Research the role of AMO sciences in atmospheric at Santa Cruz research. Victor Klimov (Los Alamos Na- Committee (CMMRC) held on October Richard A. Register, Princeton University tional Laboratory) then discussed research 14-15, 2009 in Irvine, California. One Mark Stiles, National Institute of Standards underway at LANL’s Center for Advanced of the oldest standing committees at the and Technology Solar Photophysics on improving the NRC, this name change (formerly the Dale Van Harlingen, University of Illinois, understanding of the physical principles Solid States Sciences Committee) accom- Urbana-Champaign for converting solar energy into electricity. panied modifications to the committee’s Fred Wudl, University of California, Santa Barbara Tim Sommerer (GE Research and Devel- statement of task that are intended to opment) then presented a perspective from reflect the many changes that have taken place in these research fields over the last several decades. At its fall meeting, CMMRC heard presentations on topics to discussions on this study, Emily Carter Committee on Atomic, Molecular, relating to various study proposals cur- (Princeton) spoke about her laboratory’s and Optical Sciences Membership rently under consideration. Two speakers efforts to develop predictive theories of addressed issues associated with a poten- complex materials phenomena (her work Stephen Pratt, Chair, Argonne National tial study on nanomaterials and energy; is quantum-based, typically involving in- Laboratory Chris Murray (University of Pennsylva- terdisciplinary efforts) and Juan de Pablo Pierre Meystre, Vice Chair, University of Arizona nia) spoke about recent efforts in his and (University of Wisconsin-Madison) spoke Charles Conover, Colby College other laboratories to gain control over about outstanding issues associated with Steven Cundiff, JILA, NIST: University of some of the design parameters associated the computational modeling of molecular Colorado with nanomaterials and Yi Cui (Stanford systems. Finally, Sossina Haile (Caltech) Todd Ditmire, The University of Texas University) discussed several aspects of discussed her work on improving fuel cell Norval Fortson, University of Washington his current work—using nano-cone solar technology by developing fuel cells with Timothy Gay, University of Nebraska cells to convert photon energy to elec- solid electrolytes capable of operating at Marshall Jones, GE Global Research tronic energy and nanostructured batter- high temperatures. Haile’s presentation Christopher Monroe, University of ies with a focus on electron transport and relates to a study under CMMRC con- Maryland ionic diffusion. Another study under de- sideration regarding some of the more David R. Schultz, Oak Ridge National velopment within CMMRC involves com- traditional areas in the fields of ceramics Laboratory putational modeling and theory as they and metals and where these fields might Carol E. Tanner, University of Notre Dame David Weiss, Pennsylvania State University relate to fields such as condensed matter be headed. and molecular dynamics. Contributing 1 BPA News · Winter 2010

CORF ment assessed the passive (or receive-only) The fall meeting of the Committee scientific uses of the radio spectrum and Plasma Science Committee on Radio Frequencies (CORF), chaired their vulnerability to radio frequency Membership interference (RFI), the new study would by Jeffrey Piepmeier (NASA Goddard Michael R. Brown, Swarthmore College Space Flight Center), was held in Irvine, assess the similarly-unique active scientific Paul Bellan, California Institute of CA on October 17-18, 2009. The meet- uses of the radio spectrum. Please refer to Technology ing was largely dedicated to developing the article, on page 2, for an overview of Patrick L. Colestock, Los Alamos National a strategy for an NRC committee to re- Spectrum Management. Laboratory spond to NASA’s and NSF’s request for In August 2009, CORF conducted John Foster, University of Michigan input concerning the upcoming World its first international outreach effort; five Jeffrey Freidberg, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Radiocommunication Conference in 2012 committee members traveled to Chile to S. Gail Glendinning, Lawrence Livermore (WRC-12). This committee would prepare bring together U.S. parties with South and National Laboratory a short report articulating the views of Central American scientists, government personnel, and project leaders. This CORF Richard Gottscho, Lam Research the U.S. science community on specific Corporation colloquium featured members of the agenda items at issue at the WRC-12 with Jeffrey Hopwood, Tufts University international Atacama Large Millimeter potential impact on scientific observations, Michael Mauel, Columbia University particularly future radio astronomy and Array (ALMA) project—based in Santiago, George Morales, University of California at Earth remote sensing observations. The Chile and under construction near San Los Angeles resulting report would be released by July Pedro de Atacama, Chile—the Chile-based Margaret Murnane, University of Colorado 1, 2010. CORF is also considering a new TIGO geodetic observatory, government at Boulder study to complement the recently-released representatives from Chile’s telecommu- Amy Wendt, University of Wisconsin at Spectrum Management for Science in the nications regulatory agency, SUBTEL, the Madison 21st Century. Whereas Spectrum Manage- Mexican Large Millimeter Telescope, and the Aquarius/SAC-D project—a U.S.-Ar- gentina Earth science satellite project. U.S. NSF and NRAO spectrum management Committee on Radio personnel also participated, and CORF Frequencies Membership members delivered several presentations Jeffrey Piepmeier, Chair, NASA Goddard on Earth remote sensing and RFI mitiga- Spring 2010 Space Flight Center tion for radio astronomy. Ana P. Barros, Duke University Meetings Steven W. Ellingson, Virginia Tech Kenneth Kellermann, National Radio PLSC Plasma Science Committee Meeting Astronomy Observatory The Plasma Science committee did not David G. Long, Brigham Young University to meet in fall 2009 but did undergo its (March 26-27) Darren McKague, University of Michigan annual membership rotation. Chair Ricca- James M. Moran, Harvard-Smithsonian rdo Betti (University of Rochester) rotated Atomic, Molecular and Optical Sciences Center for Astrophysics off the committee and committee member Meeting (April 6-7) Melinda Piket-May, University of Colorado Michael Brown (Swarthmore College) at Boulder Nuclear Physics 2010 Committee Alan E.E. Rogers, Massachusetts Institute of was appointed chair for a three-year term Meeting 1 (April 9-10) Technology/Haystack Observatory beginning November 2009. Gail Glendin- Steven C. Reising, Colorado State University ning (Lawrence Livermore National Lucy Ziurys, University of Arizona Laboratory) was reappointed for a three- Condensed Matter and Materials year term and the committee welcomed Research Meeting (April 15-16) Committee on Radio Frequencies three new members: William Dorland (U. Consultants Maryland), John Foster (U. Michigan), and Board on Physics and Astronomy Paul Feldman, Esq., Fletcher, Heald and Richard Gottscho (Lam Research Corp.). Meeting (April 23-24) Hildreth The Plasma Science committee is currently Michael Davis, Independent Consultant planning its spring meeting scheduled to Committee on Radio Frequencies A. Richard Thompson, National Radio be held in Washington, D.C. on March Meeting (May 18-19) Astronomy Observatory (Independent 26-27, 2010. n Consultant) BPA News · Winter 2010 15 Science and the Congress BPA Staff News J. Jensen, NAS Office of Congressional and Government Affairs T. Thorowgood, BPA Staff t is quite arguable that since World In the late 1970s, there were very few e have to say a reluctant fare- War II, science has enjoyed a consis- Members of Congress who really under- well to Michael Moloney who tently positive relationship with the stood the concept of “competitiveness.” has departed the BPA to accept IWashington policy machinery generally, Even fewer understood how spending on Wa promotion to be the director of both the and with the Congress specifically. There research produced gains in productivity Space Studies Board and the Aeronautics have been interruptions and exceptions and improved our economic well being. and Space Engineering Board. Michael’s along the way, but overall, politicians in Because of the advances of the internet excellent experience at the Academies and Washington have believed science is good and other developments, the Congress his prior service as a United Nations del- for the country and therefore the country now widely assumes that research fund- egate for the Mission of Ireland and earlier has been supportive of science. ing is beneficial to our economy and our posts in the Irish Foreign Service will serve The life sciences have always enjoyed well being. Even if each Congressman him well when it comes to maintaining political support, as it is easy for a politi- and Congresswoman does not understand these two dynamic boards. While we are cian to grasp the benefits of biology to the the synapse precisely, they have faith that sorry to see him go, given the overlap in populace. This has translated into very those investments are key to our future interests between the Space Studies Board firm support for the life sciences funding security and well being. That, coupled and the Board on Physics and Astronomy, agencies, especially the NIH. with the increased awareness that we can- we’re certain we’ll continue to work with The physical sciences have also re- not assume that our standard of living will him in the future. ceived a large amount of support. The rea- rise between generations, has motivated Caryn Knutsen has made the move sons have changed a bit in the past couple Congress to increase the funding for the from program associate to research as- of decades due to our 20th century con- civilian physical science programs at NSF, sociate. This new position allows Caryn to cerns about national security and our then NIST and DOE. focus her energy on the technical aspects nemesis, the Soviet Union. While that Fortunately, policymakers view funding of the study while continuing to provide polemic died, support has been revitalized for science and research as a path toward the staff with her conscientious and me- due to concerns about our economy and continued economic strength and security. ticulous work and support. our competitive posture with the emerg- Thus, if the government and the regulatory We are also happy to announce that ing economies in the far and near east, e.g. system are successful in getting the econo- Teri Thorowgood has joined the BPA staff China, India, Indonesia, etc. my back to equilibrium, there is hope that as administrative coordinator. Teri has This is a noticeable and positive step. this funding can continue to be a priority. n spent 12 years with the National Acad- emies, most recently as administrative coordinator of DEPS’ National Materials Advisory Board, Board on Manufacturing Astro2010 Staff Recognized by the NRC’s and Engineering Design, and Board on Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences Infrastructure and Constructed Environ- ment. She’s looking forward to the transi- T. Thorowgood, BPA Staff tion of working with the BPA. n s a result of their outstanding cross-panel communication between the work on the Astro2010 Jamboree survey committee, the nine panels, and the meeting, the NRC’s Division on infrastructure study groups, all involved AEngineering and Physical Sciences (DEPS) in the Astro2010 study. The Jamboree BPA Staff honored the staff of the Astro 2010 project involved over 120 participants spread over with a DEPS Staff Achievement award that 5 different meeting rooms, and the staff’s Donald Shapero, Director was presented on January 13, 2010. work ahead of time in developing coordi- Robert Riemer, Senior Program Officer Michael Moloney, Brant Sponberg, Roc nated agendas, color-coding meeting ma- James Lancaster, Program Officer David Lang, Program Officer Riemer, Jim Lancaster, David Lang, Car- terials, and soliciting community input led Teri Thorowgood, Administrative mela Chamberlain, Caryn Knutsen, and to an end product that was well-received Coordinator LaVita Coates-Fogle received this award in by all who participated and ran without Caryn Knutsen, Research Associate part due to the effective, creative problem- any major hang ups. Beth Dolan, Financial Associate (DEPS) solving that led to the use of the “Jam- Congratulations to all the staff on your boree” meeting as a means of facilitating richly deserved recognition! n Board on Physics and Astronomy The National Academies U.S. Postage Keck Center WS923 PAID 500 Fifth Street, N.W. PERMIT Washington, DC 20001 0123 SOUTHERN MD

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HE BPA Web site at www.national-academies.org/bpa provides news on recently released reports and other developments as well as a link to T this newsletter in PDF format. Reports may be ordered at www.nap.edu.

Recent Reports: Frontiers in Crystalline Matter: From Discovery to Technology Spectrum Management for Science in the 21st Century Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences Selling the Nation’s Helium Reserve

Coming Soon: Astro2010: The Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey Committee Report Astro2010: The Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey Panel Reports