Cosmic Masers (IAU S380): Proper Motion toward the Next-Generation Large Projects

Cosmic masers are used to probe astronomical objects and environments, and time-domain studies and multiwavelength studies are ongoing. This volume reviews cosmic masers as presented at IAU Symposium 380 and discusses ongoing and future projects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Cosmic masers have emerged as incredibly valuable tools for exploring a wide range of astronomical objects and environments, spanning from young stars in their infancy to mature stars in their later stages, the interstellar medium, and active galactic nuclei. The field of maser research is remarkably diverse and interdisciplinary, drawing expertise from various scientific disciplines. However, it is deeply rooted in the fundamental principles of physics and the application of observational techniques. Ongoing time-domain studies, ranging from daily observations to decade-long monitoring campaigns, are being conducted by numerous research teams utilizing telescopes from around the world. These studies shed light on the dynamic behavior of maser sources and provide insights into their evolution and characteristics. In addition, multiwavelength studies on cosmic masers have flourished, leveraging the capabilities of large facilities such as ALMA, JVLA, Gaia, and various VLBI networks. These collaborations have yielded significant breakthroughs in our understanding of maser phenomena, including the detection of distant maser sources, the study of maser emission mechanisms, and the exploration of the cosmic microwave background. This comprehensive volume, compiled from presentations at IAU Symposium 380, the sixth international maser symposium, offers a thorough and up-to-date review of cosmic masers. It also delves into extensive discussions about ongoing and future projects that are crucial to the advancement of maser science. These projects encompass global and new regional VLBI networks, the SKA (Square Kilometer Array), and the ngVLA (Next Generation Very Long Baseline Array). By pooling resources and expertise, these initiatives aim to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, expand our knowledge of the universe, and pave the way for new discoveries in astrophysics.

ISBN-13: 9781009398923