Issues

Astrophysical observations of high‐energy photons and particles enable us to study states of matter under conditions far more extreme than will ever be found in an Earth‐bound laboratory.

At the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of their science, radioastronomers are looking forward to a very‐long‐baseline interferometric array, a millimeter‐wave telescope and a submillimeter‐wave antenna.

A 15‐m telescope on the ground and a far‐ultraviolet spectrograph and 10‐m infrared telescope in orbit would complement projects already planned and give us totally new insight into the nature of the universe.

A vigorous program of studies involving spacecraft missions, astronomical observations and laboratory work will tell us much about the formation of the solar system and the conditions that led to life.

New space probes—and a possible journey to the Sun—will maintain the fast pace of major advances in our understanding of the Sun's interior, coronae, winds, magnetic explosions and cycles of activity.