A 24 and 70 Micron Survey of the Inner Galactic Disk with MIPS

We propose a 220 square degree survey of the inner Galactic plane, 65 < I < 10 and -10 < I < -65 for |b| < 1, at 24 and 70 microns with MIPS. Our survey complements existing (GLIMPSE) and proposed (Hi-Gal) surveys of the Galactic plane and has signifcantly better resolution and sensitivity than previous infrared surveys covering plane. Over 75% of the survey area should have useful data at 70 microns, while >99% of the plane is expected to be unsaturated at 24 microns. The survey data will be used to examine the early phases of high mass star formation, complete the census of star formation in the inner Galactic disk and provide a snapshot of the current Galactic star formation rate, measure the distribution and heating of very small grains in the ISM and most importantly enable research by the astronomical community. To that end, we waive proprietary rights to the data and plan to make available enhanced data products including a high quality point source catalog, image mosaics and to facilitate the study of extended emission, large format and source subtracted mosaics.