The future of astroparticle physics in Europe
The European network ASPERA, which provides a structure for astroparticle physics in Europe and the planning of its long-term future, is going from strength to strength. A year after its launch, ASPERA has published an inventory of European activities in the astroparticle physics field.
ASPERA is a network of scientific agencies in 12 different European countries responsible for coordinating and funding astroparticle physics research. CERN also forms part of the network. The goal of the network, which has secured funding from the European Commission for a three-year period, is to define a common European strategy or "roadmap" for astroparticle physics. The inventory it has just published is an important step in the roadmap as it describes the role that Europe plays in the field and the contribution it makes to it. The roadmap covers seven themes of astroparticle physics research, from cosmic rays to neutrinos.
Astroparticle physics is an up-and-coming research field, at the intersection between astrophysics, particle physics, cosmology and fundamental physics. It aims to answer fundamental questions such as what the universe is made of and what is responsible for cosmic rays. The discipline touches subjects that are similar to those that will be tackled by the LHC, such as black holes, supernovae and the history of the universe. CERN hosts a number of experiments that contribute to the understanding of astroparticle physics, including CAST, CNGS and AMS. CAST uses a prototype LHC magnet to detect hypothetical particles known as solar axions. The magnet is used as a telescope and is pointed towards the sun each day at sunrise and sunset (see Bulletin No. 10/2005). The CNGS project studies neutrino oscillation, and the AMS experiment, which will be located on board the International Space Station, will be used to detect dark matter and antimatter.
Now that the inventory has been drawn up, ASPERA is entering a second stage of its roadmap, designed to define and plan the priorities of astroparticle physics research for the next ten years, based on the above-mentioned seven themes. A roadmap workshop, at which the individual working groups dealing with the seven themes will present proposals for future research avenues, will be held in Amsterdam from 20 to 21 September 2007. The workshop will thus provide the opportunity to discuss the future of astroparticle physics in Europe. If you wish to attend the workshop or receive the ASPERA newsletter, visit the following website:
