Enhancing astronomical exploration with the GMT/MANIFEST

Abstract

MANIFEST is a fibre-fed positioning system designed to enhance the capabilities of the 24.5m Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT).For the first light 14 arcmin field-of-view (FoV), MANIFEST will use the GMT's current planned instruments: G-CLEF (an echelle resolution spectrograph) and GMACS (low/mid resolution spectrograph).MANIFEST will connect with these existing optical spectrographs and offer three multiplexing and deployable integral field unit (IFU) modes.In the future, a full 20′ FoV mode will be offered using a near-infrared spectrograph.Its unique features include high multiplexing, deployable IFUs, increased spectral resolution, and the potential for simultaneous observations with multiple instruments.MANIFEST will support four key science cases: galactic archaeology, dynamical masses of local dwarf galaxies, galaxy stellar kinematics, and unveiling the reionisation epoch with Lyα.In addition, simulations comparing Starbugs, pick-and-place, Starspines, and Theta-phi positioning technologies determined that the pick-and-place robotic solution offers optimal performance, reliability, and adaptability while minimising technical risk with off-the-shelf components.MANIFEST's advanced capabilities will ensure efficient survey operations and maximise scientific output, making it a pivotal tool for the GMT.