MIPS Science: The Possibilities
MIPS provides the last opportunity in the foreseeable future to observe at far infrared wavelengths from space. Even with a 5 year mission, MIPS time will likely be in strong demand. Examples of potential science programs include:
- Extragalactic
- Detailed IR maps of galaxies such as M33; structure, star formation, cirrus.
- Cosmology and the early universe with large area mapping.
- Far-IR properties of quasars and ultraluminous galaxies.
- Galactic
- Survey star formation sites, and examine the earliest stages of stellar birth.
- Examine the temperature, structure, and dust composition of the ISM surrounding sites of massive star formation.
- Structure and frequency of proto-planetary debris disks.
- Solar System
- Cometary debris, structure, and composition.
- Counts and colors of Kuiper Belt objects.
- Detailed studies of the Zodiacal dust.
- You make up you own!