Roman Early-Definition Astrophysics Survey Opportunity: Galactic Roman Infrared Plane Survey (GRIPS)

TL;DR

The Roman Infrared Plane Survey (GRIPS) aims to conduct a wide-field near-infrared survey of the Galactic disk and bulge, providing a comprehensive dataset to study the structure and environment of our Galaxy with high sensitivity and resolution.

Contribution

This paper proposes a large-scale, community-supported near-infrared survey of the Galactic plane using Roman, highlighting its potential to map the Galaxy and enable future scientific expansions.

Findings

Survey will cover ~1000 deg2 of the Galactic bulge and disk.

Expected to produce ~120 billion sources.

Will improve understanding of Galactic structure and stellar populations.

Abstract

A wide-field near-infrared survey of the Galactic disk and bulge/bar(s) is supported by a large representation of the community of Galactic astronomers. The combination of sensitivity, angular resolution and large field of view make Roman uniquely able to study the crowded and highly extincted lines of sight in the Galactic plane. A ~1000 deg2 survey of the bulge and inner Galactic disk would yield an impressive dataset of ~120 billion sources and map the structure of our Galaxy. The effort would foster subsequent expansions in numerous dimensions (spatial, depth, wavelengths, epochs). Importantly, the survey would benefit from early defintion by the community, namely because the Galactic disk is a complex environment, and different science goals will require trade offs.