Update Feb 24, 2025

On-sky seeing limited checkouts were completed on UTFeb24.  The binodal astigmatism was measured and collimation tables updated.  The SX ASM is released for all available seeing-limited science modes without restrictions.

 

Update Feb 14, 2025

ASM and AO calibration and checkout teams were able to swiftly integrate, calibrate, and checkout the unit for SHARK-NIR science.  The SX AO has been released for shared-risk SHARK-NIR science.

LUCI1 remains off the telescope (see here for details).  The AO team is working to test the SX LUCI WFS and SX ASM with IRTC1 in place of LUCI1 to ensure the system is ready when LUCI1 becomes operational.

Modes available for shared-risk release include:

• SX PEPSI PFU
• MODS1 Longslit Spectroscopy
• SHARK-NIR AO

Wide field imaging and MOS spectroscopy remain unavailable pending the measurement of the field aberration.

 

Update Feb 08, 2025:

The TS5 was partially realuminized to recoat the impacted area on Jan 25, 2025 and reintegrated with the SX ASM on Jan 31, 2025.  After passing lab tests, the unit was installed on the telescope on Feb 07, 2025.  The flat was verified for seeing limited operations and the unit was released for seeing-limited shared-risk science.

The science modes available for shared risk seeing limited science include SX PEPSI PFU, and MODS1 for longslit spectroscopy with the caveat that sources may not be optimally collimated.  MODS imaging and MODS MOS Spectroscopy should wait until we can execute the field aberration work.  LUCI1 is pending installation on the telescope (see note here for details).

 

Update Jan 09, 2025:

Several actuators were replaced on the SX ASM.  TS5 recoating operation  is scheduled for the week of January 20 at Sunnyside.  The ASM team is preparing SX ASM to integrate with the recoated TS5 the week of January 27.

Update Sept 20, 2024:

Assessments by the AO team have revealed that the rear-side surface of the SX thin shell (TS5) suffered significant water damage that will very likely require recoating.  Planning for recoating the thin shell is happening now and the optimistic timeline is that this would enable the SX ASM to return to service sometime in November.  The AO team has now shifted efforts to the DX ASM.

Update Sept 9, 2024:

The preliminary inspection by the ASM team shows signs of watermarks and possible burns in one of the distribution boards. After disconnecting the affected board, the team powered on the rest of the unit and measured the gap for all but ~ 6% of the thin shell’s area. The measurements suggest that the water intrusion is receding (leaving the gap), which is encouraging. The team will thoroughly assess the water damage when they lower the thin shell, which is expected around September 17.

Initial Note: Sept 2, 2024

On UT Sept 1 the telescope experienced a water intrusion event.  The SX ASM thin shell had liquid gap contamination impacting the outer rings between 7-9 O’clock.  The unit was removed on Sept 2 for repairs.  The timeline for repairs is TBD.

The rigid secondary remains installed in place of the DX side while the DX ASM campaign wraps up.  The SX side of the telescope will remain without a secondary mirror until the DX ASM is installed later this month.