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# Physics# Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics

GHOST: A New Tool for Star Observation

GHOST allows scientists to study star movement and properties more accurately.

Venu M. Kalari, Andreas Seifahrt, Ruben Diaz

― 5 min read


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Table of Contents

GHOST is a new tool used for studying light from stars. It is like a high-tech camera set up at the Gemini South telescope, which is a large telescope located in Chile. GHOST helps scientists learn more about how stars move and their characteristics by breaking down the light they give off into its different colors.

What GHOST Does

GHOST works by collecting light through special fibers known as optical fibers. These fibers help capture light from small areas of the sky, known as fields of view. GHOST has two settings: one that gives a lower level of detail and another that provides a much clearer view. The clearer mode offers a better look at the light, letting scientists measure how fast stars are moving.

In the clearer mode, there is a special lamp that helps with scientific measurements. This lamp produces a known light pattern that helps scientists understand the light from the stars better. By using this method, GHOST can measure the speed of stars with high accuracy.

Components of GHOST

GHOST is made up of several parts that work together. These parts include:

  1. Bench Spectrograph: This is the main part that processes the light collected.

  2. Cassegrain Unit: This part directs light from the telescope to the bench spectrograph.

  3. Fiber Array: This consists of many fibers that gather light from the sky.

Once light enters the GHOST system, it is organized in a special way that helps improve the clarity of the image. Different parts of GHOST are set up to handle various colors of light. A special device splits the light into red and blue sections for detailed examination.

Current Measurement Capabilities

When light comes in, it is restructured to improve resolution, making it clearer to see the details. In regular mode, the fibers can capture details relatively well, but the clearer mode captures even finer details. This helps GHOST gather important information about how stars behave in the universe.

GHOST is sensitive enough to pick up small shifts in light patterns, allowing for very precise measurements. Scientists can track how stars move and change over time using this technology, with a target precision of less than 10 meters per second.

Current Observations

Currently, GHOST has been recording data and making observations of certain stars. One star of interest is HD 21693. Observations of HD 21693 have shown that GHOST can achieve high levels of clarity, producing images with excellent detail. Over time, the data collected suggests GHOST can provide precise and stable measurements of how stars move.

Challenges Faced

While GHOST is a great tool, it does encounter some challenges:

  • Instrument Profile: The way light enters GHOST can change. If the path of the light shifts, the images produced can become less clear. This can happen due to stress on the fiber cables or slight misalignments.

  • Instrument Stability: Small movements or changes in temperature and pressure can impact how the light is focused. These changes can make measurements less reliable but are difficult to correct with the current system.

  • Input Stability: The camera used to monitor incoming light has its own challenges. Small offsets in the position of light can affect measurements and make it harder to interpret the data accurately.

  • Calibration Sources: The lamps used to refine measurements can sometimes interfere with the readings. Finding better lights to use for calibration is a key goal to improve GHOST’s measurements.

Future Plans for Precision Measurements

GHOST has begun its operational phase but has more improvements to make for the best results. The plan for the next steps includes:

  • Software Control: There are ongoing efforts to improve how the internal lamp and filters are controlled. This will help in gathering better data.

  • Data Reduction Pipeline: Scientists are working on refining the software that processes the data collected. This enhancement will be adapted from another successful instrument and is expected to be ready soon.

  • Testing and Evaluation: Once improvements are made, GHOST will be tested further. If results are satisfactory, GHOST could be opened up for use by other scientists. If more hardware is needed, plans will be made to acquire it in 2025.

Conclusion

GHOST represents an important advancement in studying the universe. With its ability to measure the movements and properties of stars accurately, it contributes vital information to our understanding of space. While there are challenges, the future looks promising for GHOST, with ongoing work to enhance its capabilities and provide even more accurate measurements for astronomers worldwide. This tool not only helps scientists seek answers but also contributes to the broader goals of understanding our cosmos.

By continuously improving processes and adopting new technologies, GHOST will ensure that we gather insights about stars, their behavior, and the very fabric of space and time. As GHOST continues its operations, it stands poised to answer questions about the universe and deepen our understanding of the celestial objects that surround us.

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