Is determining the occurrence rate of Earth-like planets more important than measuring the evolution of the dark-energy density? Is it more crucial to inventory the metal content of the universe over time or to understand the origin and acceleration mechanisms of cosmic rays? Astronomers in Europe are weighing the scientific payoff against the cost for such questions as they set long-term priorities for their field.

“We are looking at both ground-based and spacscodee-based astronomical facilities used in studies stretching from the ionosphere out to the deepest reaches of the cosmos, and so encompassing the solar system, stellar astronomy, extragalactic astronomy, astroparticle physics, cosmology, “ says Liverpool John Moores University's Michael Bode, who is heading up the development of a road map that is to prioritize the requisite facilities for Europe's science goals for the next two decades.

Over the past year, astronomers in Europe have spelled out key areas of...

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