Scientific requirements for a European ELT

Isobel Hook; Gavin Dalton; Roberto Gilmozzi

doi:10.1117/12.670265

23 June 2006 Scientific requirements for a European ELT

Isobel Hook, Gavin Dalton, Roberto Gilmozzi

Proceedings Volume 6267, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes; 626726 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.670265
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

The science case for the next generation of Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) covers a huge range of astronomical topics and requires a wide range of capabilities. Here we describe top-level requirements on an ELT, which were derived from some of the key science cases identified by European astronomers. After a brief summary of these science cases we discuss the requirements on the ELT system in terms of several parameters, including wavelength range, field of view, image quality etc. We discuss the science driver that sets the limits on each parameter. We also discuss specific requirements on instrumentation, site and adaptive optics. In several cases, detailed simulated observations will be required in order to set the requirements. While the example science cases provide a useful guide, we also note that an important goal is to develop a facility that covers a broad parameter space, and maintains flexibility in order to adapt to new scientific directions.

Citation Download Citation

Isobel Hook, Gavin Dalton, and Roberto Gilmozzi "Scientific requirements for a European ELT", Proc. SPIE 6267, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes, 626726 (23 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.670265

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