what we really really want

I think, that every large spectroscopic bucket telescope really ought to have a colocated wide field imaging telescope

like a 4m spotter telescope

seriously

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Yes...that would be great! Now, to make it happen...

By Pat Durrell (not verified) on 16 Mar 2009 #permalink

Well, that is kind of hard to do because of balance and the weight. I would suggest two, one on either side.

You could probably be clever and just collect all the photons that weren't going down the slits -- essentially a 30m guiding camera. It would certainly be economical for dedicated long-slits. Masks would be trickier, but probably worth it in terms of differential cost vs building a second telescope.