Very Large Spectroscopic Surveys with the VLT

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of using a wide-field, fibre-fed spectroscopic instrument on the VLT to conduct large-scale surveys that can improve understanding of Dark Energy and the history of our Local Group.

Contribution

It proposes a preliminary concept for a large spectroscopic survey facility on the VLT to enable millions of spectra collection for cosmological and galactic studies.

Findings

Potential to conduct surveys with several million spectra

Feasibility of a fibre-fed spectroscopic instrument on VLT

Implications for Dark Energy and Galactic Archaeology

Abstract

Recently, it has been recognised that very large spectroscopic surveys (several million spectra) are required to advance our understanding of Dark Energy (via baryonic wiggles) and the detailed history of our Local Group of galaxies (via Galactic Archeology or near-field cosmology). In this paper I make a preliminary exploration of how this might be done by putting a wide field, optical, prime-focus fibre-fed spectroscopic facility on one of the VLT's UTs.