METIS

In Greek mythology, Metis was the spouse of Zeus and mother of Athena, goddess of wisdom.

METIS is also the proposed mid-infrared imager and spectrograph for the European ELT, Europe's next-generation ground-based telescope for optical and infrared (IR) wavelengths. Covering the L, M and N bands, METIS will offer imaging and medium-resolution spectroscopy over the full wavelength range (3-14 microns), and high-resolution integral field spectroscopy in L and M bands (3-5.3 microns).

METIS is one of eight proposed instruments for the European ELT, and the only instrument to cover wavelengths beyond 3 microns. A Phase A study was carried out from May 2008 to December 2009. During this time, a large team of scientists formulated a detailed science case for METIS, and based on these scientific goals, the instrumental concept was developed and designed.

These pages contain information on the project and the consortium, the exciting new science METIS will enable and the design concept for the instrument. For more info, contact our PI Dr. Bernhard Brandl.