Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The operation of the ANU 2.3 m telescope transitioned from classically scheduled remote observing to fully autonomous queue scheduled observing in March 2023. The instrument currently supported is WiFeS, a visible-light low-resolution image-slicing integral field spectrograph with a $25^{\prime\prime}\,\times38^{\prime\prime}$ field of view (offering precision spectrophotometry free from aperture effects). It is highly suitable for rapid spectroscopic follow-up of astronomical transient events and regular cadence observations. The new control system implements flexible queue scheduling and supports rapid response override for target-of-opportunity observations. The ANU 2.3 m is the largest optical telescope to have been retro-fitted for autonomous operation to date, and it remains a national facility servicing a broad range of science cases. We present an overview of the automated control system and report on the first six months of continuous operation.
DOI: 10.1017/pasa.2024.75
Institution: Australian National University
Language: English
Subfield: Instrumentation
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
Award: G7463224461
OpenAlex ID: W4402729481