In an earlier announcement, we described LCO's plans to install the MuSCAT3 multi-channel imager on the 2-meter telescope at Haleakala Observatory. The lab tests of MuSCAT3 proceeded according to schedule, and the instrument is now scheduled to depart the Astrobiology Center in Tokyo next week. If there are no logistical problems, installation will commence on September 14.
When installation begins, the Spectral camera will be removed, and the 2-meter telescope will not be available for science observations. I encourage all of you who have been granted 2-meter hours to read our plan for transitioning from Spectral to MuSCAT3. The plan includes estimates for the duration of each phase of the transition, as well as the expected impact on the availability of the FLOYDS spectrograph.
We will update you when milestones are achieved during the transition process.
