A Proposal for a Renewed Research Emphasis in Astrophysical and Celestial Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper advocates for increased investment and coordination in applied and fundamental research on Astrophysical and Celestial Dynamics to enhance understanding of new astronomical phenomena and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Contribution

It proposes a unified program to support and coordinate research efforts in Astrophysical and Celestial Dynamics, emphasizing fundamental and applied studies.

Findings

Enhanced interpretation of new astronomical phenomena

Fostering interdisciplinary connections in ACD

Training future researchers in celestial mechanics

Abstract

Given the impressive investment by the nation in observational Astronomy and Astrophysics facilities coming on line now and in the near future, we advocate for an increased investment in applied and fundamental research on Astrophysical and Celestial Dynamics (ACD). Specifically we call for a) continued and expanded support for applied research in ACD, b) creation of support for fundamental research in ACD and its subfields, and c) the creation of a unified program to help scientists coordinate and collaborate in their research in these fields. The benefits of this proposal are threefold. First, it will enable researchers to interpret and understand the implications of newly observed phenomena that will invariably arise from new facilities and surveys. Second, research on fundamentals will foster connections between specialists, leveraging advances found in one sub-field and making them available to others. Third, a coordinated approach for applied and fundamental research in ACD will help academic institutions in the United States to produce future researchers trained and knowledgeable in essential subfields such as Mathematical Celestial Mechanics and able to continue its advancement in conjunction with the increase in observations.