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LMT science

Understanding the evolution of structure, from the primordial fluctuations in the CMB to the distribution and morphologies of galaxies in the local Universe, and the physical processes and efficiencies of star formation at all epochs are some of the major goals of modern astrophysics. Millimeter-wavelength observations offer a unique opportunity to probe the coldest, densest and most-obscured environments in the Universe which are also often the sites of the earliest stages of structure formation.

The unprecedented capabilities of the LMT provide excellent sensitivity to point-sources and low-surface brightness emission, due primarily to ~2000 m2 of collecting area, the high surface-accuracy of the telescope and the quality of the Sierra Negra site for astronomical observations at millimeter wavelengths. The LMT is complemented by a suite of state-of-the-art continuum and heterodyne instruments that will enable the evolution of structure to be traced on a wide-variety of physical scales and throughout the entire history of the Universe.

Some highlights of the anticipated LMT research are outlined below:
Detailed discussions of the LMT studies of these science topics are found in the chapters of the LMT Book.