The Ultraviolet, Visible and Gravitational (UVG) subgroup of the Astrophysics working Group met on March 13 and 14, 1997 as a part of a general AWG meeting at the same time. In addition to the general recommendations of the AWG, the UVG subgroup has six points that it discussed and on which it reached a consensus. These points are given below.
1) We are concerned about the continuing apparent wavelength constraints in the SEU division, especially as several compelling science objectives in this theme, such as the structure of the diffuse ISM, the evolution of the elements, and hot gas in jets and ejecta, are efficiently studied in the UV and visible wavelengths. We realize that this wavelength situation has come about, in part, due to the lack of an identified, supported major UV/Visible mission (other than SIM). However, there exists the possibility that the current wavelength structure in SEU could lead to the atrophying of UV/Visible instrument development and a widening disparity in the technical capabilities of the differing bandpasses. Therefore: we further advise that technology development not be limited to those areas which directly support identified missions. Technologies in areas not currently identified for possible new starts need continuous development as well, or else there could be a self-fulfilling development process, where technologies fall behind due not being associated with a mission, and then new mission are not selected because their technology is not developed.
2) We feel that the UVG sounding rocket selection priorities should have science first, but that science must broadly include the enabling technology and/or designs developed, and not be limited to the scientific return of the data collected during the sounding rocket flight. A sounding rocket flight which proves a technology and results in the availability of a new observational capability performs excellent science, even if the sounding rocket observation with that capability is limited due to the restrictions of the sounding rocket itself. Additionally, the emphasis on education should be broadened to include the training of post-docs in instrumentation.
3) We are excited by the MSX capability, and encourage NASA to investigate and review its scientific merits, and if warranted, support the potential UV science that can be accomplished. However, a full endorsement must await a thorough and positive review of the potential science return and cost.
4) We would like to see some NRA's (particularly the detector development NRA) released on a more frequent basis. However, we realize that this is not currently possible with the manpower constraints at HQ. Should additional manpower be available for proposal support, we encourage NASA to implement the more frequent release of the NRA's.
5) We support a multi-wavelength laboratory astrophysics workshop. We feel it is important that the workshop be multi-wavelength and multi-disciplinary so as to maximize the sharing of technologies and techniques amongst the various groups. In addition, welcomes the possibility of a UVG laboratory astrophysics workshop NRA to increase the potential gains in this area.
6) Finally, we express our concern over the diminishing human resources at NASA HQ, and in particular the loss of corporate memory through the continued use of temporary personnel. While we understand that these decisions are driven by budget necessities and not by choice, we wish to make clear that we feel that the discipline is being hampered by these changes.