Update Dec 8, 2023: LUCI1 released for science…with caveats! 

LUCI1 is again available for science…with caveats, so please read this carefully.  We are assuming that the flexure calibrations taken prior to the camera wheel failure are still valid.  We are also still using old wavelength calibrations.  Neither should be particularly bad, but please keep an eye on things as you observe and make adjustments as needed.  As new calibrations are obtained they will be implemented.  Thus the normal observing modes for LUCI1 are available: seeing-limited or ESM imaging or spectroscopy.  Full AO imaging will require recalibration of the non-common path aberrations as those changed by quite a bit due to refocussing of the N30 camera.  Recalibration is continuing apace and further updates will be added here.

Update Nov 30, 2023: LUCI1 Reinstalled 

The camera wheel repairs were completed.  LUCI1 passed a cold functional checkout and was reinstalled today on the telescope.  Functional checkouts are underway and recalibrations are pending. On-sky checkouts are scheduled for Dec 7th.

Update Nov 13, 2023: LUCI1 off the telescope for repairs

LUCI1 was warmed on telescope and removed on Nov 20th.  Repairs to the camera wheel as well as to filter wheel 2 are planned for early this week.  LUCI1 will then be cooled in teh lab with installation planned for Nov 29th.  We will continue to update about the status of availability, including the progress with the repair, checkouts, and recalibration efforts.

Update Nov 13, 2023: LUCI1 offline

On telescope troubleshooting efforts have revealed that the issue with the camera wheel is internal to the instrument.  The instrument will have to be warmed and removed from the telescope for repairs.  LUCI1 is offline until further notice.

Update Nov11, 2023: LUCI1 Offline-Camera Wheel Failure

Camera wheel has failed in the N30 position. Troubleshooting efforts to move it have failed. On-site efforts will take place in the coming days. Until this issue is resolved, LUCI1 is offline.