[ASA] IRIS2 MOS mode

[Chris Lidman]

Dear Colleagues,
   The AAO would like to gauge the level of interest from the Australian astronomical community for the continued operation of the 
MOS mode of IRIS2 on the AAT. The MOS mode of IRIS2 allows multi-object spectroscopy over a 7 arc-minute field of view in the near-IR. 

To place this in some perspective, it is anticipated that during 2016, the MOS mode of FLAMINGOS 2 on Gemini South will become available to 
Australian community. Also, from 2016A, the Australian community will gain access to MOSFIRE on the Keck telescope.

Over the past few years, the level of interest from the community in using the MOS mode of IRIS2 has been very weak. 

With these new much more powerful facilities becoming available to the Australian community, the AAO is considering the future
of the MOS mode on IRIS2. Options vary from ceasing to offer this mode if demand is likely to be weak, to upgrading the tools used
to prepare masks if demand is likely to be strong.

Before making a decision, the AAO would like to gauge the level of interest from the community in using the MOS mode of IRIS2 in future semesters.

Please send replies directly to me at chris.lidman at aao.gov.au

Kind Regards,

Chris Lidman

Head of National Facilities Support
Australian Astronomical Observatory
PO Box 915
North Ryde NSW 1670
Australia

E-mail: chris.lidman at aao.gov.au
Phone: +61 2 9372 4823
FAX: +61 2 9372 4880