Abstract
Invited Talk - Plenary
Thursday, 18 September 2025, 09:00 (Kuppelsaal / virtual plenum)
Introduction Townhall Meeting
Earlier this year the European Southern Observatory (ESO) launched the study Expanding Horizons - Transforming Astronomy in the 2040s looking beyond the forthcoming ELT and setting sights on the next facility that will revolutionise the global astronomical landscape.
This process will lead to the definition of the facility that will shape Europe's program in ground based astronomy for the decades beyond 2040 alongside with the existing VLT and ALMA observatories and the forthcoming ELT and CTA facilities.
In order to facilitate discussion on the Expanding Horizons program within the German national community, the annual AG conference in Görlitz will include a 'Townhall Meeting'.
The presentations are split in two sessions:
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the Director General of ESO, Prof. Xavier Barcons will present the process
On Thursday, September 18, 2025 five emerging proposals that are under consideration in the 'Expanding Horizons' scheme will be presented by key speakers representing interest in the German community.
We also point out that the Townhall meeting on Expanding Horizons - Transforming Astronomy in the 2040s will be preceeded by a presentation/discussion of the update of the national roadmap for astronomy ('Denkschrift') on Wednesday, September 17.