|
The E-ELT will create entirely new
perspectives in optical/IR astronomy. Taking advantage of the supreme
spatial resolution from a 42-m aperture, METIS will open up a huge
discovery space at mid-infrared wavelengths - a thus far relatively
unexplored region at the highest resolutions.
The mid-IR wavelength range is extremely
rich in spectral diagnostics, complementary to those found at other
wavelengths: emission and absorption lines of virtually all molecules,
numerous atoms and ions, and unique solid state features. The METIS science
team identified five main science drivers, used to define the instrument
baseline requirements, and a host of additional strong science cases for
METIS.
Proto-planetary disks and the formation of
planets
Physical and chemical properties of
exoplanets
Formation and history of the solar system
The growth of supermassive black holes
Morphologies and dynamics of high-redshift
galaxies.
|
