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Simons Observatory
@simonsobservatory.org

As we are putting the finishing touches on our Large Aperture Telescope 🔭, now might be a good time to explain what science goals it serves. The problem is that there are many to choose from! (Image credit: Mark Devlin) 1/8

Simons Observatory
@simonsobservatory.org

In our 2018 science goals paper (arxiv.org/pdf/1808.07445) there are six sections dedicated to the science SO can do. Of those, five are primarily involving the LAT. Only looking for degree-scale B-modes (the SAT's speciality) eludes it. 2/8

arxiv.orgarxiv.org
Simons Observatory@simonsobservatory.org

We are searching in the polarization of the CMB for a pattern called B-modes that can only be generated by primordial gravitational waves, which are a generic prediction of inflation models. (Image credit: Lucy Reading-Ikkanda/Simons Foundation) 7/8

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Simons Observatory
@simonsobservatory.org

Because the LAT has a much larger mirror, it can resolve finer details on the sky. The resolution is roughly 1/40th of a degree, about the same as someone with a 6/10-7/10 vision. This makes us able to see the small deflection of CMB light by matter's gravity. (Image credit: ESA/Planck) 3/8

Simons Observatory
@simonsobservatory.org

We can also compare the measured lensing to predictions of the statistical properties it should have if the large-scale structure of the universe only consisted of normal matter and dark matter that gradually assembled into the "cosmic web" of the previous picture. 5/8