Objective
We propose a conceptual design study for a 12-metre wide-field spectroscopic survey telescope (WST) with simultaneous operation of a large field-of-view (3 sq. degree), high-multiplex (20,000) multi-object spectrograph (MOS) and a giant 3x3 arcmin integral field spectrograph (IFS). In scientific capability these specifications place WST far ahead of existing and planned facilities. In only 5 years of operation, the MOS would target 250 million galaxies and 25 million stars at low spectral resolution plus 2 million stars at high resolution. Without need for pre-imaged targets, the IFS would deliver 4 billion spectra offering many serendipitous discoveries. Given the current investment in deep imaging surveys and noting the diagnostic power of spectroscopy, WST will fill a crucial gap in astronomical capability and work in synergy with future ground and space-based facilities. We show how it can address outstanding scientific questions in the areas of cosmology; galaxy assembly, evolution, and enrichment, including our own Milky Way; the origin of stars and planets; and time domain and multi-messenger astrophysics. WST’s uniquely rich dataset may yield unforeseen discoveries in many of these areas. The study will deliver telescope and instrument designs, cost estimates, an updated science white paper and survey plan, concept studies for data management, and a facility operation concept. The telescope and instruments will be designed as an integrated system and will mostly use existing technology, with the aim to minimise the carbon footprint and environmental impact. We will propose WST as the next ESO project after completion of the 39-metre ELT. Our consortium includes institutes from Australia, which has a strategic partnership with ESO and aims to apply shortly for full membership. Together with ESO and institutes in 9 European countries, our team has the necessary technical and scientific expertise, and brings 70 years of in-kind effort to the proposed study.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
75794 Paris
France
See on map
Participants (11)
75015 PARIS 15
See on map
00136 Roma
See on map
40126 Bologna
See on map
85748 Garching
See on map
14482 Potsdam
See on map
00-716 Warszawa
See on map
1010 Wien
See on map
4150 762 Porto
See on map
9712CP Groningen
See on map
SN2 1FL Swindon
See on map
WC1E 6BT London
See on map
Partners (7)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
1015 Lausanne
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
0200 Canberra
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
2109 Sydney
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
2006 Sydney
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
3122 Victoria
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
2052 Sydney
See on map
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
6009 Crawley
See on map