Project:	Developing a mask cutting software for the Magellan telescope instruments
Disciplines:	Astronomy, Applied and Computational Mathematics
Mentor:	William Schoenell, PhD, (PMA), wschoenell@carnegiescience.edu
Background:	Astronomical spectroscopy is essential for deepening our understanding of the universe. By analyzing light from celestial objects using spectrographs, scientists can uncover critical information about their composition, temperature, distance, and motion. One class of spectrographs allow astronomers to observe many objects at a time by occulting everything the telescope sees aside from the light of the objects they have selected to observe. A fundamental element of this process is the spectrographic mask, which enables astronomers to observe multiple objects simultaneously while avoiding interference from overlapping spectral features and the night sky. At the Carnegie Observatories, home to several multi-object spectrographs, the development of software for spectroscopic mask design is of paramount importance. Optimizing the selection of objects and their positions on the mask not only enhances observational opportunities but also improves the overall quality of the collected data. This summer internship presents a unique opportunity to participate in the software design process as part of a multidisciplinary team utilizing cutting-edge technology and modern design practices. The intern's contributions will support current instrumentation projects within the observatories, such as IMACS and LDSS, while also providing valuable exposure to ongoing developments, including the advanced MIRMOS spectrograph project.
Description:	The intern will participate in the development of a new observatory-wide mask-cutting software design. To achieve this, modern software techniques will be adopted for the design and development of a modular and easy-to-use product. Key modules of the project will include: - Mask-cutting optimization algorithms: To maximize observational efficiency without compromising scientific quality. - Cutting path generators: Responsible for translating sky coordinates into mask-cutting or positioning trajectories. - Quality control: To identify defective masks before they are put into the instrument, saving observation time in case of errors. - User interfaces: Crucial for mask generation, the user interface must be accessible to astronomers to ensure the generated mask conforms to scientific needs.
References:	Magellan Instruments: https://www.lco.cl/magellan-instruments/ MOSFIRE Automatic GUI-based Mask Application: https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/inst/mosfire/magma.html Gemini’s mask making software: https://gmmps-documentation.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
Student Requirements:	Experience coding in Python preferred. Position available to Caltech students only. Research will be conducted at Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena as part of the Carnegie Astrophysics Summer Student Internship (CASSI) program which runs from June 16th - August 22nd, 2025. Students must be present for the full duration of the program.
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF    Caltech students only  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.