Currently the following working groups exist for discussing science that needs a disruptive upgrade of ALMA in the 2040s. They are open to all members in the community. Activities of the working groups are coordinated by two leads. This effort is geared towards a proposal for the call as part of the ESO Expanding Horizons effort.
High Redshift Universe led by Tom Bakx (Chalmers) & Francesca Rizzo (U. Groningen)
The high-z WG focuses on studying spectral lines and continuum emission from early galaxies, spanning from the very high-redshift universe (z > 9) down to z ≈ 0.3.
Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) led by Roberto Decarli (INAF Bologna) & Miguel Pereira Santaella (IFF-CSIC)
We envision ALMA2040 to achieve the imaging quality and sensitivity required to resolve the gas dynamics that drive black hole growth down to the scales of the accretion disk and map the AGN environment within the dust sublimation radius, as well as trace outflowing material associated with AGN feedback both in the local and in the distant Universe. We expect ALMA2040 to shed light on the impact of luminous AGN on their host galaxies and to exploit diagnostics revealing the obscured phases of black hole growth.
Cosmology and Fundamental Physics led by Violette Impellizeri (Leiden U.) & Hannah Stacey (ESO)
The Cosmology and Fundamental Physics WG deals with topics such as measurements fundamental constants, the nature of dark matter and gravitational lensing.
Local Universe led by Jan Forbrich (U. Herfordshire) & Miguel Querejeta (OAN)
The Local Universe WG focuses on external galaxies which can be observed in detail, from the most immediate satellites of the Milky Way and the Local Group all the way out probing the entire local galaxy population (z<0.3). We broadly cover physical processes ranging from parsec to kiloparsec scales, bridging the small-scale science of the Milky Way with the large-scale study of distant, unresolved galaxies. This includes the internal structure and kinematics of galaxies, as well as external processes such as the role of environment, including galaxy interactions and mergers.
Inter-Stellar Medium & Star Formation led by Maite Beltran (INAF-Firenze) & Jes Jørgensen (Copenhagen)
The ISM and Star Formation WG deals with topics regarding the interstellar medium, molecular clouds and formation of stars and low- and high-mass in the Milky Way ranging from scales of giant molecular clouds down to protostellar disks. This includes both the astrophysical properties and evolution in these regions as well as the detailed microscopic physical processes taking place in HII and photon and X-ray dominated regions, astrochemistry and magnetic fields.
Planet Formation led by Luca Matrà (Trinity College) & Catherine Walsh (U. of Leeds)
The Planet Formation WG focuses on the formation and evolution of planetary systems, from the early disks that emerge around just-born protostars to the later disks and belts of exocomets/planetesimals that persist through to the main sequence phase of evolution. This includes multi-wavelength continuum observations that reveal the dust mass distribution, dust grain properties and sub-structures that arise due to gravitational interaction with (forming) planets or (magneto)hydrodynamic effects, as well as molecular line observations that reveal the disk composition, gas mass distribution, and kinematics throughout the planet formation process.
Sun and Stars led by Wouter Vlemmings/Theo Khouri (Chalmers) & Sven Wedemeyer (U. Oslo)
This WG focusses on stellar and solar observations. Solar and stellar observations promise to advance our understanding of the structure and dynamics of the solar and stellar atmosphere, including a plethora of physical phenomena ranging from flares to dynamic small-scale features. During the last stages of stellar evolution, observations probe the physical and chemical processes responsible for galaxy enrichment and molecule and dust formation.
Transients and Time-Domain Astronomy led by Kuo Liu (SAO) & Karri Koljonen (NTNU)
This WG focuses on the use of ALMA for time-domain astronomy, utilizing both the standard and newly developed phased-array observing modes. It covers a broad range of scientific targets, including pulsars and neutron stars, fast radio bursts, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, fast blue optical transients, and more.
Solar System Bodies and Exoplanets led by Arianna Piccialli (BIRA-IASB) & Miriam Rengel (MPS)
The Solar System Bodies and Exoplanets WG spans planetary atmospheres, moons, asteroids, and comets, as well as the characterization of exoplanetary systems. It covers topics ranging from the planetary formation and evolution, including comparative planetology.