Multiobject fiber spectroscopy at the UKST: it's a wide field

Abstract

The FLAIR multifiber spectroscopy system on the 1.2m UK Schmidt Telescope is the world's most powerful multi-object spectroscopy system in terms of area coverage and available fiber numbers. This has been achieved at modest cost providing an instrument of surprising flexibility, power, and robustness yet with an inherently simple design. During 1994 alone over 6500 individual target observations were made from just 30% of the telescope time. This paper describes the current status of the facility, problems encountered, modifications, and enhancements made over the last two years and those planned for the future. Continued innovation should maintain the facility's power and competitiveness for several years to come.