Spectral calibration for the Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer: challenges and solutions

Nicolas Flagey; Alan McConnachie; Kei Szeto; Rick Murowinski; Shan Mignot

doi:10.1117/12.2230932

15 July 2016 Spectral calibration for the Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer: challenges and solutions

Nicolas Flagey, Alan McConnachie, Kei Szeto, Rick Murowinski, Shan Mignot

Proceedings Volume 9910, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems VI; 99101F (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2230932
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

The Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE) will each year obtain millions of spectra in the optical to nearinfrared, at low (R ≃ 2; 500) to high (R ≃ 40; 000) spectral resolution by observing >3000 spectra per pointing via a highly multiplexed fiber-fed system. Key science programs for MSE include black hole reverberation mapping, stellar population analysis of faint galaxies at high redshift, and sub-km/s velocity accuracy for stellar astrophysics. This requires highly precise, repeatable and stable spectral calibration over long timescales. To meet these demanding science goals and to allow MSE to deliver data of very high quality to the broad community of astronomers involved in the project, a comprehensive and efficient calibration strategy is being developed. In this paper, we present the different challenges we face to properly calibrate the MSE spectra and the solutions we are considering to address these challenges.

Citation Download Citation

Nicolas Flagey, Alan McConnachie, Kei Szeto, Rick Murowinski, and Shan Mignot "Spectral calibration for the Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer: challenges and solutions", Proc. SPIE 9910, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems VI, 99101F (15 July 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2230932

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