Scientific goals and the IRAS instrument

Problems in compiling an IR chart of the skyfield with instruments on board the IRAS satellite are discussed. Detail, completeness, and reliability of the IR chart are emphasized; map scale is governed by the scientific problems posed. IR examination of the center of the local galaxy, and IR surveys of galaxies, are envisaged. Enormous advances in IR sensitivity achieved with liquid He cooling of the equipment are noted, and detector noise is analyzed. Elimination of noise caused by IR-emitting space junk (debris of satellites and rocket vehicles still in earth orbit) will be achieved by running checks on the first-draft IR map twice within 12 h, once again in 3 weeks, and again within 6 months.