This page provides a quick overview of the instrumentation plans for the WHT and INT in 2024.
WEAVE on the WHT
- WEAVE.
Regular science observations with the WEAVE
multi-fibre spectrograph started in October 2023.
The observations so far have been with the LIFU low- and high-resolution modes of WEAVE, and these
observations will continue throughout 2024 and 2025.
Commissioning of the MOS and mIFU modes is making good progress.
After each WEAVE mode is successfully commissioned, a science verification programme will be carried out.
This will be followed by the start of science surveys and open-time access for that mode.
- Time distribution and instrumentation in the WEAVE surveys era.
We encourage WHT users to read the WHT telescope time document
in
http://www.ing.iac.es/astronomy/whttime.html.
In summary, with the start of WEAVE science operations
the WHT transitioned from a classical observing telescope to a
queue-driven operation, with a 70%--30% split between surveys and open time,
after provision is made for 5% ITP.
Given the complexity of mounting and dismounting WEAVE,
the availability of other instrumentation in open time is not being considered at present.
Observers can safely assume that WEAVE will be continuously mounted on the WHT for the coming 2 years.
- Pipeline-processed WEAVE data.
Preliminary data products for essentially all of the WEAVE science data taken to date are available
to the proposing teams at the WEAVE Operational Repository at CASU.
INT and HARPS3
- HARPS3.
The Cambridge-led THE (Terra-Hunting Experiment) Consortium is making steady progress in the
construction of HARPS3 for deployment at the INT.
HARPS3 is a high-resolution stabilised spectrograph which
will conduct a 10-year survey aimed at discovering Earth-mass planets.
The THE Consortium is carrying out a full upgrade of the INT to allow for robotic
operation. Half of the INT time will be devoted to the THE survey, the
remainder being available as open time (most likely for robotic
observations with HARPS3) to be allocated by the TACs.
- Timeline.
The INT upgrade started on 17th June 2024,
and the HARPS3 first light is expected to be in March 2025.
- HARPS3 open time.
Progress with the HARPS3 instrument suggests we may be able to offer HARPS3 in open time in semester 2025B.
We welcome your questions, comments or requests for clarification.
Please email Marc Balcells, ING Director (director@ing.iac.es) or
Chris Benn, ING Head of Astronomy (crb@ing.iac.es).
Updated to 15th August 2024
