Cosmology with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope: an overview

Area of Science:

• Cosmology and astrophysics
• Dark energy physics
• Precision cosmology

Background:

• The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is an advanced imaging facility under construction in Chile.
• LSST features a large aperture, wide field of view, and a high-resolution camera for deep, wide, and fast astronomical surveys.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the LSST cosmology program, focusing on dark energy investigations.
• To detail how LSST data will enable precision cosmology with enhanced statistical power and systematic error control.

Main Methods:

• LSST will conduct a 10-year survey across six passbands (ugrizy) with extensive sky coverage and revisit times.
• It will utilize diverse precision probes: large-scale structure, weak lensing, supernovae, galaxy clusters, and strong lensing.
• Data will be combined with cosmic microwave background data for robust cosmological model testing.

Main Results:

• LSST data will provide unprecedented statistical power for cosmological studies.
• The facility is designed for tight control of systematic errors, crucial for precision cosmology.
• LSST will offer deep and fast time-domain observations alongside its main survey.

Conclusions:

• LSST is poised to open a new era in precision cosmology, particularly in understanding dark energy.
• Data accessibility for scientific communities and collaborations with other surveys will maximize scientific return.
• LSST observations will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the Universe.