Towards a spectroscopic survey of one hundred thousand spatially resolved galaxies with Hector

Abstract

Hector is an instrument concept for a multi integral-field-unit spectrograph aimed at obtaining a tenfold increase in capability over the current generation of such instruments. The key science questions for this instrument include how do galaxies get their gas, how is star formation and nuclear activity affected by environment, what is the role of feedback, and what processes can be linked to galaxy groups and clusters. The baseline design for Hector incorporates multiple hexabundle fibre integral-field-units that are each positioned using Starbug robots across a three-degree field at the Anglo-Australian Telescope. The Hector fibres feed dedicated fixed-format spectrographs, for which the parameter space is currently being explored.