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The MUSE instrument project
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The MUSE instrument project
The Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is a panoramic integral-field spectrograph
in development for one of ESOs Very Large Telescopes (VLT) on Cero Paranal in Chile. It
combines a wide field of view with an improved spatial resolution, assisted by adaptive
optics and operates in the visible wavelength range.
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Scientific goals
Using the unique capability to obtain up to ten thousands of spectra in one single exposure,
scientists aim to study the evolution of massive stars and intend to answer a number of key
questions about super massive black holes and their impact on the galaxy evolution.
Thanks to their strong hydrogen emission lines, MUSE will be able to detect and study
progenitor of galaxies similar to the Milky Way at a distance of more than 10 billion light
years. It is expected to discover around 15000 of all types of galaxies. The unique
homogeneous set of physical data will be a key element to understand the formation and
evolution of galaxies.
In the case of unpredictable events such as the apparition of a new comet and unlike space
missions which need to be programmed well in advance, MUSE shall be able to observe
the object without delay. Furthermore its spectrographic capabilities will be crucial to study
the complex chemical and physical evolution of the comets when they approach our sun.