Next Generation Very Large Array Memo No. 6, Science Working Group 1: The Cradle of Life
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Andrea Isella
•
Charles L. H. Hull
•
Arielle Moullet
•
Roberto Galván-Madrid
•
Doug Johnstone
•
Luca Ricci
•
John Tobin
•
Leonardo Testi
•
•
Joseph Lazio
•
Andrew Siemion
•
Hauyu Baobab Liu
•
Fujun Du
•
Karin I. Öberg
•
Ted Bergin
•
Paola Caselli
•
Tyler Bourke
•
Chris Carilli
•
Laura Perez
•
Bryan Butler
•
Imke de Pater
•
Chunhua Qi
•
Mark Hofstadter
•
Raphael Moreno
•
David Alexander
•
Jonathan Williams
•
Paul Goldsmith
•
Mark Wyatt
•
Laurent Loinard
•
James Di Francesco
•
David Wilner
•
Peter Schilke
•
Adam Ginsburg
•
Álvaro Sánchez-Monge
•
Qizhou Zhang
•
Henrik Beuther
Abstract
This paper discusses compelling science cases for a future long-baseline
interferometer operating at millimeter and centimeter wavelengths, like the
proposed Next Generation Vary Large Array (ngVLA). We report on the activities
of the Cradle of Life science working group, which focused on the formation of
low- and high-mass stars, the formation of planets and evolution of
protoplanetary disks, the physical and compositional study of Solar System
bodies, and the possible detection of radio signals from extraterrestrial
civilizations. We propose 19 scientific projects based on the current
specification of the ngVLA. Five of them are highlighted as possible Key
Science Projects: (1) Resolving the density structure and dynamics of the
youngest HII regions and high-mass protostellar jets, (2) Unveiling
binary/multiple protostars at higher resolution, (3) Mapping planet formation
regions in nearby disks on scales down to 1 AU, (4) Studying the formation of
complex molecules, and (5) Deep atmospheric mapping of giant planets in the
Solar System. For each of these projects, we discuss the scientific importance
and feasibility. The results presented here should be considered as the
beginning of a more in-depth analysis of the science enabled by such a
facility, and are by no means complete or exhaustive.
Volume
6
Rights
open.access
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