The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and Milky Way Science
R. Michael Rich

TL;DR
The LSST will significantly advance Milky Way science by providing deep, precise photometric and astrometric data, enabling detailed mapping of Galactic structures and dark matter interactions, despite initial survey limitations.
Contribution
This paper highlights the potential of LSST for Galactic astronomy, emphasizing its capabilities and advocating for inclusive survey strategies including the Galactic Plane.
Findings
LSST will map halo structures to 450 kpc, nearly half the distance to Andromeda.
Proper motion measurements will reach 0.2 mas/yr at r=21, enabling detailed kinematic studies.
Deep photometry will detect over a billion stars, revealing fine Galactic structure.
Abstract
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) surveys have initially been optimized to omit the inner part of the Milky Way disk/bar from deep and cadence observations. However it is now clear that the LSST will be powerful for Galactic astronomy and may play a crucial role in continuing to extend the Gaia astrometric catalog until a future satellite, either optical or IR, carries on. LSST will provide metallicities and kinematics for the bulge, and will map halo structures to as distant as 450 kpc, nearly half the distance to the Andromeda galaxy. Thanks to the unprecedented calibration effort for its photometric system, and surprisingly good astrometry (transverse velocity measurements of 0.2 mas/yr at r=21; 1 mas/yr at r=24). LSST will provide photometric abundances and distance constraints for a billion or more Milky Way stars to distances of 450 kpc, and kinematics from proper motions…
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