bHROS Available on Gemini South for Semester 2006A

September 20, 2005

With system and science verification complete, the Gemini Bench-mounted High-Resolution Spectrograph (bHROS) is available for science programs in 2006A. Proposals are due September 30, 2005.

BHROS: a new and unique high-resolution optical spectrograph on Gemini South is the highest resolution optical (400-1000 nm) echelle spectrograph optimized for use on an 8-meter telescope. It achieves efficiencies of 13-18% (depending upon fiber mode with median seeing), with well-sampled spectra at a spectral resolution of R=150,000.

Located within the thermally stable pier of the Gemini South telescope, bHROS is fiber-fed through the core of the telescope from the cassegrain focus.

It is anticipated that bHROS will be well-suited for studies that include:

High precision abundance analysis including determination of the 6Li/7Li isotopic ratio, abundances in ultra metal-poor stars, ISM, etc.
Analysis of absorption line profiles
High-precision radial velocity measurements (planet searches etc.)