The Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey is an exhaustive report on astronomy and astrophysics that the United States’ National Academy of Sciences publishes at the end of every decade. This report explains the current state of play in astronomy and astrophysics, and recommends the research priorities of the upcoming decade to the government.

The last report, titled ‘New Worlds, New Horizons in Astronomy and Astrophysics’, was published in 2010. Its recommendations included the exploration of dark energy, exoplanetary systems, extreme processes (e.g., supernovae), gravitational waves, and the evolution of large-scale structure in the universe. The next report, Astro2020, is expected to be published in September 2021.

The significance of these reports lie in the fact that they determine the specific focus areas in space research where the US government will heavily invest for the next ten years, and more. Additionally, other space players also take a keen interest in these reports to determine their own priorities, and to effectively compete with the US. For instance, Europe has reportedly edged ahead of the US in ground-based optical astronomy, especially with the upcoming European ELT (Extremely Large Telescope.) Moreover, China, Europe and other non-US players have partnered now to build the SKA (Square Kilometer Array) telescopic system that comprise of thousands of powerful radio telescopes.

Recent advancements in space exploration and allied fields, along with a sharp increase in public interest and hype, have made the upcoming report a keenly awaited one.