Astronomical instrumentation

Abstract:

The first of two Gemini Multi Object Spectrographs (GMOS) has recently begun operation at the Gemini-North 8m telescope. In this presentation we give an overview of the instrument and describe the overall performance of GMOS-North both in the laboratory during integration, and at the telescope during commissioning. We. describe the development process which led to meeting the demanding reliability and performance requirements on flexure, throughput and image quality. We then show examples of GMOS data and performance on the telescope in its imaging, long-slit and MOS modes. We also briefly highlight novel features in GMOS that are described in more detail in separate presentations, particularly the flexure compensation system and the on-instrument wavefront sensor. Finally we give an update of the current status of GMOS on Gemini-North and future plans.

Abstract:

To initiate this discussion I raised five topics (i) the physical mechanisms that give rise to the global relationships observed in early type galaxies, (ii) the origin of the environmental dependences of galaxy properties such as morphology and mean age, (iii) lessons from galaxy populations in intermediate redshift clusters, (iv) the role of black holes in galaxy evolution and (v) the order of formation of different galactic subcomponents. Comments and questions ranged over these and other issues and a lively discussion ensued.