VSOP Science Goals

Last modified: November 1997

The VSOP project will allow imaging of astronomical radio sources with a signficantly improved resolution over ground-only observations. Specific science goals of the mission include:

• High-Resolution Imaging of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN)
• Monitoring of Structural Changes in Superluminal Sources
• Measurement of Proper Motion as a Function of Redshift in AGN
• Distribution of Spot Sizes in OH Maser Sources
• High-Resolution Imaging of Radio Stars

A number of Key Science Programs have been be defined by the Science Review Committee and the VSOP International Science Council (VISC), and a number of proposals representing each of the Key Science Areas have been accepted for observing during the first AO period.