Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer
Encyclopedia
The Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is a second generation instrument in development for the Very Large Telescope
(VLT) of the European Southern Observatory
(ESO).
It is a panoramic integral-field spectrograph
operating in the visible wavelength range. It combines a wide field of view
with the improved spatial resolution provided by adaptive optics
and covers a large simultaneous spectral range.
Very Large Telescope
The Very Large Telescope is a telescope operated by the European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT consists of four individual telescopes, each with a primary mirror 8.2m across, which are generally used separately but can be used together to...
(VLT) of the European Southern Observatory
European Southern Observatory
The European Southern Observatory is an intergovernmental research organisation for astronomy, supported by fifteen countries...
(ESO).
It is a panoramic integral-field spectrograph
Spectrograph
A spectrograph is an instrument that separates an incoming wave into a frequency spectrum. There are several kinds of machines referred to as spectrographs, depending on the precise nature of the waves...
operating in the visible wavelength range. It combines a wide field of view
Field of view
The field of view is the extent of the observable world that is seen at any given moment....
with the improved spatial resolution provided by adaptive optics
Adaptive optics
Adaptive optics is a technology used to improve the performance of optical systems by reducing the effect of wavefront distortions. It is used in astronomical telescopes and laser communication systems to remove the effects of atmospheric distortion, and in retinal imaging systems to reduce the...
and covers a large simultaneous spectral range.