Speaker
Description
The Near-Ultraviolet eXplorer (NUX) is a proposed wide-field (~67 square degrees) ground-based observatory, designed to explore the shortest UV wavelengths (300 to 350 nm) observable from Earth's surface. NUX’s primary goal is to deepen our understanding of fast (hours to days) and hot transient phenomena, including shock-breakout emissions from supernovae and electromagnetic sources associated with gravitational wave events. The system features four modified 36cm Celestron RASA telescopes, each enhanced with custom near-UV optics and a Near-UV sensitive camera. To validate the scientific and technical feasibility of NUX, we have built a prototype telescope (proto-NUX). After successful initial testing in the Netherlands to evaluate its technical performance, we will perform further tests to determine the NUV characteristics of the atmosphere in March 2026 at Pic du Midi observatory. During my presentation I will present proto-NUX and the outcomes of these tests and their implications for potential necessary adjustments to the final NUX design.
| Talk category | Plenary |
|---|---|
| Second preference | Network 3 or Instrumentation |
