NASA science at w. M. Keck observatory: march 1, 2013 through february 28, 2018. This proposal to NASA by the w. M. Keck observatory (wmko) is intended to renew a cooperative agreement award for…

NASA science at w. M. Keck observatory: march 1, 2013 through february 28, 2018. This proposal to NASA by the w. M. Keck observatory (wmko) is intended to renew a cooperative agreement award for support of scientific research at the observatory, which operates the world s two largest steerable and fully commissioned optical/infrared telescopes on the summit of mauna KEA on the island of hawaii. NASA is a one-sixth partner in wmko, having invested onesixth of the capital costs and one-sixth of the operations costs since circa 1996. The research program proposed here maps squarely to the astronomical priorities of NASA, namely, the origins of galaxies, elements, STARS and planetary systems and increasing the understanding of our own solar system. The specific research focus areas are (i) the detection and characterization of planets around other STARS, (II) the origin and nature of planetary systems, (III) studies of our own solar system, and (IV) studies in galaxy formation, evolution and cosmology. This advancement in knowledge will provide a foundation for planning and interpreting the results from a variety of NASA programs and missions. Wmko proposes to devote 1/6 of available observing time to NASA-selected programs in these areas. Given the high oversubscription for NASA time, wmko also proposes the option for NASA to make available up to an additional 10 nights per year. Finally, in collaboration with the NASA exoplanet science institute, wmko plans to continue its keck observatory archive (KOA) activities. The keck observatory is uniquely suited to provide the necessary research tools to address the research topics discussed above. Wmko will supply all the necessary equipment and support personnel to operate the observatory, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, and 365 nights/year. NASA will contribute technical, scientific, and management expertise, select observers, and perform related tasks contributing to the scientific effectiveness of the keck observatory. This proposal requests NASA funding for 1/6 of the basic operations cost of the observatory, an appropriate share of facility renewal activities, support for the wmko portion of the keck observatory archive, and the option of up to an additional 10 observing nights per year. These costs cover a proportional share of the salaries of 119 scientific, technical, and administrative personnel, in addition to all supplies and equipment necessary to maintain this major research facility. The program corresponding to NASA s in-guide funding amount provides NASA s 1/6 of keck observatory operations support, KOA support, and infrastructure renewal, which NASA has traditionally contributed to. The NASA in-guide budget specification does not allow for the full effects of inflation expected to impact the facility renewal program. Thus, one enhanced scenario fully funds the expected inflation-adjusted costs of the facility renewal program. Another optional, augmented scenario supports another 10 nights per year of keck telescope access for NASA, enabling a reduction in the extreme oversubscription on keck i and supporting programs of strategic value to NASA. This proposal consolidates all direct NASA support for keck observatory into a single proposal / award.