MOIRCS


The Update for S24B Applicants

2024-1-25

Important Updates

    1. A new K-band medium-dispersion grism (VB-K) will be available.

      As was annouced at the S24A CfP, we developed a new medium-resolution grism for K-band window (VB-K grism: Ebizuka et al.) in 2023. It has similar dispersion and the straight-through wavelength to the existing VPH_K grism, but with much wider the wavelength coverage (see the figure below). The issues we had on the VPH_K (large spatial shift and tilt of the spectra) should not exist for the new VB-K grism. Characterization with MOIRCS will start soon from early 2024, and the basic information of the grism will be available via the website as soon as possible. The old VPH_K grism is still available so the applicants of the VPH_K users can still submit the proposal. If our characterization of the VB-K grism is satisfactory for the open-use, we will offer the use of new grating to the awarded VPH_K users.


    2. Important Update for the MOS Service Program

      A conditional access to the Multi-Object Spectroscopy (MOS) Mode for Service Program has been available since S24A. The same as before, the applicants of the MOS mode have to have the MOS masks that were previously-cut (namely, this program is a promotion for the publication of old data by offering the supplement). Maximum number of the masks for service mode are 2. The use of the common-use longslit masks are not allowed.

      Who Can Apply?

      If your old data can be published by adding small amount (<4hr) of supplementary data, you can consider applying this program. We consider the situation below.

      • Loss of critical data by weather loss or technical trouble.
      • Failure taking good calibration star.
      • The S/N could not reach to the level for publication.
      • MOS masks were cut but never used due to bad weather or technical trouble.

      Those who wants to apply this promotion program must carefully read below.

      In order to avoid any conflict with the Dual-Anonymous Review System introduced for Subaru's proposal reviewing, you must avoid mentioning any information of previously-awarded program (PI name, proposal ID, etc) related to the MOS you want to re-use. You have to make sure that any information related to the previous observation is through "Private Communication". Please make sure to keep it.

      Applicants must follow the steps below.

      1. Contact the primary SA first!! We will check 1) the availability of the MOS Masks, 2) validity of justification for Service within observatory. It should be at least 1 week before deadline.
      2. The SA will give you an Approval ID to you.
      3. Clearly state the ID on the Technical Justification part.
      4. Submit your proposal.

General Notes



Introduction

MOIRCS (Multi-Object InfraRed Camera and Spectrograph) provides wide-field imaging and long-slit/multi-object (MOS) spectroscopic capabilities in the 0.9 ~ 2.5 µm spectral range under the natural seeing condition. The 4'×7' field of view is covered by two 2048×2048 Hawaii-2RG infrared detector arrays with a spatial resolution of 0.116 arcsec/pixel.

For the imaging mode, the standard MKO YJHKs filters as well as some narrow-band filters are available. See the Imaging Mode Page for more details.

The MOS performance of MOIRCS spectroscopy mode is the most notable feature of the instrument. Using the cooled aluminum slit masks, MOIRCS can acquire 40 ~ 60 object spectra simultaneously across a 0.9~2.5 µm wavelength range. The low-resolution (R~500) and medium-resolution (R~2000-3000) grisms are available. See the Spectroscopy Page for more details. All MOS observers/applicants should carefully read the MOS observation pages.


Instrument and Detector

Imaging mode

Spectroscopy mode



Instrument Citation

Please cite the following papers when you refer to MOIRCS in your publication.

"Multi-Object Infrared Camera and Spectrograph (MOIRCS) for the Subaru Telescope I. Imaging"
Suzuki, R. et al. Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan, 2008, Vol.60, No.6, pp.1347--1362.
"MOIRCS: Multi-Object Infrared Camera and Spectrograph for SUBARU"
Ichikawa, T. et al. 2006, in Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 6269, 38

For the MOIRCS Upgrade 2015 works, you may refer to these papers below.

"The NuMOIRCS Project: Detector Upgrade Overview and Early Commissioning Results"
Walawender, J. et al. 2016, Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 9908, doi: 10.1117/12.2231812
"Detector Upgrade of Subaru's Multi-Object Infrared Camera and Spectrograph (MOIRCS)"
Fabricius, M. et al. 2016, Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 9908, doi: 10.1117/12.2231417


MOIRCS Management Structure

  • Observation Support Astronomers
    • Primary: Dr. Ichi Tanaka (email: )
    • Secondary: Dr. Kentaro Aoki (email: )
  • Primary Instrument Operator / Documentation Responsible
    • TBD
  • Data Distribution Responsible
    • Tom Winegar and Computer Division (email: helpdesk_AT_naoj.org)
  • Instrument Hardware and Software Responsible
    • Instrument Division (email: instdiv_AT_naoj.org)
    * Please change _AT_ to @ for the email address.

    The Support Schedule can be found here.


Contact:
Any questions regarding MOIRCS should be directed to Dr. Ichi Tanaka (primary SA: e-mail ).

Updated 2023-02-05


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