Revisiting the science case for near-UV spectroscopy with the VLT

TL;DR

This paper argues that current 8-10m telescopes, like the VLT, can effectively conduct high-efficiency near-UV spectroscopy at medium resolution, supporting stellar and extragalactic research in the era of larger telescopes.

Contribution

It revisits and refines the science case and instrument requirements for near-UV spectroscopy with the VLT, emphasizing its continued relevance and potential.

Findings

High-efficiency UV observations are feasible with current 8-10m telescopes.

Near-UV spectroscopy can address key stellar and extragalactic science topics.

Reassessment supports the CUBES instrument concept for the VLT.

Abstract

In the era of Extremely Large Telescopes, the current generation of 8-10m facilities are likely to remain competitive at far-blue visible wavelengths for the foreseeable future. High-efficiency (>20%) observations of the ground UV (300-400 nm) at medium resolving power (R~20,000) are required to address a number of exciting topics in stellar astrophysics, while also providing new insights in extragalactic science. Anticipating strong demand to better exploit this diagnostic-rich wavelength region, we revisit the science case and instrument requirements previously assembled for the CUBES concept for the Very Large Telescope.