Multi-Object Spectroscopy with the European ELT: Scientific synergies between EAGLE & EVE

TL;DR

This paper explores the scientific benefits and technical requirements of a multi-object spectrograph for the European Extremely Large Telescope, combining features of two proposed instruments, EAGLE and EVE, to maximize observational capabilities.

Contribution

It presents a unified set of requirements for a versatile multi-object spectrograph that integrates the strengths of EAGLE and EVE for the E-ELT.

Findings

A multi-object spectrograph can leverage EAGLE's spatial resolution and EVE's spectral coverage.

Unified requirements enable a single versatile instrument at the E-ELT Nasmyth focus.

Such an instrument enhances scientific observations by combining complementary methods.

Abstract

The EAGLE and EVE Phase A studies for instruments for the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) originated from related top-level scientific questions, but employed different (yet complementary) methods to deliver the required observations. We re-examine the motivations for a multi-object spectrograph (MOS) on the E-ELT and present a unified set of requirements for a versatile instrument. Such a MOS would exploit the excellent spatial resolution in the near-infrared envisaged for EAGLE, combined with aspects of the spectral coverage and large multiplex of EVE. We briefly discuss the top-level systems which could satisfy these requirements in a single instrument at one of the Nasmyth foci of the E-ELT.