Introduction to the Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope (CSST)

TL;DR

The CSST is a forthcoming space telescope with advanced multi-band imaging and spectroscopic capabilities, designed to conduct comprehensive sky surveys and enable breakthroughs in multiple astronomical research areas.

Contribution

This paper provides a detailed overview of the CSST's instruments, observational capabilities, data products, and scientific potential, highlighting its innovative features.

Findings

CSST will perform multi-color photometric imaging and slitless spectroscopy.

It will contribute to cosmology, galaxy evolution, and Solar System studies.

Expected to make significant discoveries across various astronomical fields.

Abstract

The Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope (CSST) is an upcoming Stage-IV sky survey telescope, distinguished by its large field of view (FoV), high image quality, and multi-band observation capabilities. It can simultaneously conduct precise measurements of the Universe by performing multi-color photometric imaging and slitless spectroscopic surveys. The CSST is equipped with five scientific instruments, i.e. Multi-band Imaging and Slitless Spectroscopy Survey Camera (SC), Multi-Channel Imager (MCI), Integral Field Spectrograph (IFS), Cool Planet Imaging Coronagraph (CPI-C), and THz Spectrometer (TS). Using these instruments, CSST is expected to make significant contributions and discoveries across various astronomical fields, including cosmology, galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN), the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, stars, exoplanets, Solar System objects, astrometry, and transients and variable sources. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the CSST instruments, observational capabilities, data products, and scientific potential.