Simulating Surveys for ELT-MOSAIC: Status of the MOSAIC Science Case after Phase A

TL;DR

This paper consolidates the scientific case for MOSAIC on the European ELT, emphasizing its capabilities for diverse surveys and comparing its potential with other upcoming facilities.

Contribution

It presents detailed simulations and prioritization of four key surveys for MOSAIC, guiding future design optimization and demonstrating its unique scientific advantages.

Findings

Four key surveys designed for MOSAIC based on detailed simulations

Comparison shows MOSAIC's competitiveness and unique capabilities in the 2020s

Discussion of future optimization strategies for the instrument's design

Abstract

We present the consolidated scientific case for multi-object spectroscopy with the MOSAIC concept on the European ELT. The cases span the full range of ELT science and require either 'high multiplex' or 'high definition' observations to best exploit the excellent sensitivity and wide field-of-view of the telescope. Following scientific prioritisation by the Science Team during the recent Phase A study of the MOSAIC concept, we highlight four key surveys designed for the instrument using detailed simulations of its scientific performance. We discuss future ways to optimise the conceptual design of MOSAIC in Phase B, and illustrate its competitiveness and unique capabilities by comparison with other facilities that will be available in the 2020s.