Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer
The Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE) is a collaborative project by a new and enlarged partnership to revitalize the Canada-France-Hawai‘i Telescope (CFHT) observatory through replacing the existing 1970-vintage optical telescope with a modern segmented-mirror telescope and dedicated science instrumentation, while substantially re-using the existing Maunakea summit building and facility. At the highest level the objectives of MSE are to enhance scientific research and education for the partner communities. MSE will use an 11.25 meter aperture telescope and dedicated multiobject fibre spectroscopy instrumentation to perform survey science observations, collecting spectra from more than 4,000 astronomical targets simultaneously.
Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer at sunset | |
| Part of | Mauna Kea Observatories |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 19°49'31.1"N, 155°28'12.0"W |
| Wavelength | 360–18000 nm |
| Telescope style | optical telescope |
| Diameter | 11.25 m |
| Collecting area | 78.5 square meters |
| Mounting | Altazimuth |
| Enclosure | Calotte |
| Related media on Commons | |
The project completed a conceptual design in early 2018. The project schedule anticipates receiving permission in 2021 to proceed to final design and construction phases, leading to a start of science commissioning in 2029.