Mission: Spectro-polarimetry of the Microwave Sky

Following the pioneering observations by the COBE satellite in the early 1990s, studies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) – the relic radiation left over from the big bang – have primarily focused on its anisotropies: small variations in its temperature and polarization across the sky. CMB spectral distortions – tiny departures of the CMB energy spectrum from that of a perfect blackbody – provide a second, independent probe of the primordial universe, and the fundamental physics behind its origins.

The aim of this workshop will be to assemble international and European expertise in instrumentation, mission design, cosmological observations and data analysis, astrophysical foregrounds as well as the relevant theoretical expertise, in order to build up a consortium for a mission proposal to measure the CMB spectrum under the aegis of ESA’s voyage 2050 call.

It is possible to register for this workshop without invitation. Registration will close 1 September 2022. Please beware that participation is always at the discretion of the scientific organizers. They will decide upon your participation. If you have any questions, feel free to send an e-mail to missionspectro-polarimetry@lorentzcenter.nl 

Please click here to access the most up to date version of the program.