Overview of the VLT instrumentation
Abstract
Instrumentation packages for the new generation of 8 m. class Telescopes aim at delivering global observational capabilities in the most effective way: (1) technically, with 'perfect' individual instruments, (2) observationally with extensive covering of the parameter space and most of the instruments tailored to specific classes of astronomical targets, (3) operationally with reliable, automatic, fast systems linked with an 'adapted-observing' scheduler, and finally, (4) scientifically with flexible observing strategies and target finding capabilities. The ESO VLT with four Unit Telescopes and twelve foci, all but one equipped with a (quasi) permanently mounted instrument, offers a good ground for this challenging task.
- Publication:
-
Optical Astronomical Instrumentation
- Pub Date:
- July 1998
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.316742
- Bibcode:
- 1998SPIE.3355....2M