<title>Construction of the Hectospec: 300 optical fiber-fed spectrograph for the converted MMT</title>

Abstract

The Hectospec consists of a robotic positioner that will position 300 optical fibers at the f/5 focus of the converted MMT and a bench mounted moderate-dispersion spectrograph. Hectospec will be the first wide-field instrument to be used at the converted MMT and is now under construction at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Commissioning at the converted MMT is scheduled for mid 1999, shortly after first light at the f/5 focus. The innovative features of the instrument are described, emphasizing recent developments.