Development of a Near-Infrared Imager/Spectrograph for Fan Mountain Observatory

University Of Virginia Main Campus, Charlottesville VA

Investigators

Abstract

AST-0216256 Skrutskie, Michael F. This project will equip the University of Virginia's Fan mountain observatory with a state-of-the-art infrared imager. Graduate and undergraduate students will design and build the instrument, which is based on a 1024x1024 HgCdTe Rockwell Science Center "HAWAII" array to provide sensitivity to 2.5 micrometers wavelength. In addition to broad and narrow-band imaging capabioity the camera design includes a low resolution (R~300) grism-based spectrographic mode. The completed system will be used for several scientific applications, including 1.variability studies of young stellar objects, 2. Spectral classification studies of brown dwarfs, parallax/proper motion measurements of brown dwarfs, 3. Classification and variability studies of asymptotic giant branch stars, and 4 rotational mineralogy studies of asteriods and near-earth objects. ***