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A Flair for Multi-Object Spectroscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 July 2016

Q.A. Parker  and
F.G. Watson
Q.A. Parker
Affiliation:
Anglo-Australian Observatory, PO Box 296, Epping NSW 2121, Australia
F.G. Watson
Affiliation:
Royal Greenwich Observatory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK

Abstract

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Unique in the regime of wide-field astronomy is the multi-object spectroscopy system ‘FLAIR’ developed for the UK Schmidt Telescope (UKST). The current system can perform simultaneous observations of ∼ 90 objects across 40 sq. degrees of sky. FLAIR has given a whole new platform for performing astronomical observations with a Schmidt telescope in a non-photographic role. The system is simple to operate, highly stable, easy to interchange with standard photography and outclasses single-object spectroscopy systems on 2.0 m class telescopes for many types of observation. The system has continued to be developed to enhance its flexibility, robustness and versatility, culminating recently in the commissioning of new fibre feeds and formats. The facility to observe independent standard stars, and the capability of observing objects in two UKST fields in a single night has recently been demonstrated. FLAIR is a powerful, cost-effective addition to the instrumental repertoire of the Anglo-Australian Observatory in a way that was not even remotely envisaged when the UKST was built.

Type
Part Two: Digital Detectors in Wide-Field Imaging
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 161: Astronomy from Wide-Field Imaging , 1994 , pp. 85 - 88
Copyright
Copyright © Kluwer 1994 

References

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