The atomic hydrogen (HI) 21cm line measures the gas content within and around
galaxies, traces the dark matter potential and probes volumes and objects that
other surveys do not. Over the next decade, 21cm line science will exploit new
technologies, especially focal plane and aperture arrays, and will see the
deployment of Epoch of Reionization/Dark Age detection experiments and Square
Kilometer Array (SKA) precursor instruments. Several experiments designed to
detect and eventually to characterize the reionization history of the
intergalactic medium should deliver first results within two-three years time.
Although "precision cosmology" surveys of HI in galaxies at z ~ 1 to 3 require
the full collecting area of the SKA, a coherent program of HI line science
making use of the unique capabilities of both the existing facilities and the
novel ones demonstrated by the SKA precursors will teach us how many gas rich
galaxies there really are and where they reside and will yield fundamental
insight into how galaxies accrete gas, form stars and interact with their
environment.Comment: To appear in AIP Conference Proceedings, "The Evolution of Galaxies
through the Neutral Hydrogen Window", Feb 1-3 2008, Arecibo, Puerto Rico,
eds. R. Minchin & E. Momjian. 8 page
