Laboratory Astrophysics and the State of Astronomy and Astrophysics
AAS WGLA: Nancy Brickhouse, John Cowan, Paul Drake, Steven Federman,, Gary Ferland, Adam Frank, Wick Haxton, Eric Herbst, Keith Olive, Farid, Salama, Daniel Wolf Savin, Lucy Ziurys

TL;DR
Laboratory astrophysics and theoretical calculations are fundamental to astronomy, supporting observatory projects and scientific understanding, with recent technological advances enabling direct laboratory studies of previously theoretical questions.
Contribution
This paper highlights the critical role of laboratory astrophysics and calls for infrastructure support to advance the field over the next decade.
Findings
Laboratory astrophysics underpins all stages of astronomical research.
Technological advances enable direct laboratory investigation of physical processes.
Sustained infrastructure is essential for future progress in astronomy.
Abstract
Laboratory astrophysics and complementary theoretical calculations are the foundations of astronomy and astrophysics and will remain so into the foreseeable future. The impact of laboratory astrophysics ranges from the scientific conception stage for ground-based, airborne, and space-based observatories, all the way through to the scientific return of these projects and missions. It is our understanding of the under-lying physical processes and the measurements of critical physical parameters that allows us to address fundamental questions in astronomy and astrophysics. In this regard, laboratory astrophysics is much like detector and instrument development at NASA, NSF, and DOE. These efforts are necessary for the success of astronomical research being funded by the agencies. Without concomitant efforts in all three directions (observational facilities, detector/instrument development,…
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Taxonomy
TopicsHistory and Developments in Astronomy
