Science with the Square Kilometer Array: Motivation, Key Science Projects, Standards and Assumptions

TL;DR

The paper discusses the motivation, key science projects, standards, and assumptions underlying the Square Kilometer Array, a next-generation radio telescope with vastly increased collecting area, aiming to advance radio astronomy.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive revision of the SKA science case, including key science programs, standards, and assumptions, based on international expert meetings.

Findings

Enhanced sensitivity and resolution in radio astronomy with SKA

Identification of key science goals for SKA development

Establishment of standards and assumptions for SKA science planning

Abstract

The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) represents the next major, and natural, step in radio astronomical facilities, providing two orders of magnitude increase in collecting area over existing telescopes. In a series of meetings, starting in Groningen, the Netherlands (August 2002) and culminating in a `science retreat' in Leiden (November 2003), the SKA International Science Advisory Committee (ISAC), conceived of, and carried-out, a complete revision of the SKA science case (to appear in New Astronomy Reviews). This preface includes: (i) general introductory material, (ii) summaries of the key science programs, and (iii) a detailed listing of standards and assumptions used in the revised science case.