Binospec Software System. (3rd June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kansky, Jan; Chilingarian, Igor; Fabricant, Daniel; Matthews, Anne; Moran, Sean; Paegert, Martin; Gibson, J. Duane; Porter, Dallan; Roll, John
• Is Part Of: Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Volume 131:Number 1001(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-06-03
• Subjects: instrumentation: spectrographs; Astronomy -- Periodicals; Astronomy; Periodicals; Periodicals; 520.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1538-3873/ab1ceb
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-6280

Abstract

Abstract: Binospec is a high-throughput, 370 to 1000 nm, imaging spectrograph that addresses two adjacent 8′ by 15′ fields of view. Binospec was commissioned in late 2017 at the f/5 focus of the 6.5 m MMT and is now available to all MMT observers. Here we describe the Binospec software used for observation planning, instrument control, and data reduction. The software and control systems incorporate a high level of automation to minimize observer workload. Instrument configuration and observation sequencing is implemented using a database-driven approach to maximize observatory efficiency. A web-based interface allows users to define observations, monitor status, and retrieve data products.