To preserve and enhance the available capability in high resolution optical spectroscopy at Kitt Peak, we are proposing to move components of the 2.1-m coudé spectrograph to the coudé room of the Mayall 4-m telescope. This move will enable the current Coudé Feed Telescope to be closed, resulting in support and cost savings, while providing significant scientific gains through the implementation of a high spectral resolution instrument--exceeding R = 300,000--at a large aperture telescope.
In reviewing the options, it was concluded that feeding the coudé spectrograph with an optical fiber from the 2.1-m would produce only marginal scientific gains for some programs while eliminating some other programs altogether. Installing a fiber-fed spectrograph at the 4-m, however, would yield a substantial increase in scientific capability, especially for studies of the interstellar medium and stellar astrophysics. We have submitted a description of the instrumental concept and the scientific rationale for moving the fiber-fed coudé spectrograph to the 4-m to the NOAO nighttime joint Users Committee for their review and comment. At this time, we are developing plans for the modification of the 4-m coudé room, and we hope to install the 4-m spectrograph during FY 2000. For the meantime, the Coudé Feed Telescope will remain open with new starts restricted to one per week.
Mark Giampapa, Sam Barden, Caty Pilachowski