|
One of the most obvious missing links in the emerging network of international multi-wavelength astronomy is fully dedicated, large aperture, highly multiplexed spectroscopy at a range of spectral resolutions in the optical and near infrared wavelength range. The Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE) is designed to fill this gap and is the only such facility currently at an advanced stage of development, having recently competed a 3 year system conceptual design. Australian scientists and engineers have been a critical component of the collaboration since the beginning. MSE is completely dedicated to multi-object spectroscopy of samples of thousands and millions of astrophysical objects. It will lead the world in this arena, due to its unique design capabilities: it will boast a large (11.25 m) aperture and wide (1.52 sq. degree) field of view; it will have the capabilities to observe at a wide range of spectral resolutions, from R2500 to R40,000, with massive multiplexing (4,332 spectra per exposure, with all spectral resolutions available at all times). More than 10 million fiber-hours of 10m-class spectrscopy is available per year with MSE, and it will provide critical follow-up for multi-wavelength imaging surveys, such as those of the LSST, Gaia, WFIRST and the SKA. MSE enables a synergy between wide-field imaging surveys and pointed follow-up by the upcoming generation of extremely large telescopes. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of MSE, describing the many science drivers that it will enable in a broad range of fields, from exoplanetary systems through to the Milky Way, black holes, cosmology and dark matter. I will review the current design status, as well as the international partnership, and I will focus on the important roles played by Australian colleagues in its development so far. I will describe the plan for completing MSE design and construction and will highlight the opportunities for Australia as we approach first light of this transformational facility. |
|