Innovations and advances in instrumentation at the W. M. Keck Observatory, vol. II

Since the start of science operations in 1993, the twin 10-meter W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) telescopes have continued to maximize their scientific impact and to produce transformative discoveries that keep the observing community on the frontiers of astronomical research. Upgraded capabilities and new instrumentation are provided through collaborative partnerships with Caltech, the University of California, and the University of Hawaii instrument development teams, as well as industry and other organizations. The observatory adapts and responds to the observers' evolving needs as defined in the observatory's strategic plan periodically refreshed in collaboration with the science community. This paper summarizes the performance of recently commissioned infrastructure projects, technology upgrades, and new additions to the suite of instrumentation at the observatory. We also provide a status of projects currently in design or development phases, and since we keep our eye on the future, summarize projects in exploratory phases that originate from our strategic plan updated in 2022.

Automated summary

This paper summarizes the recently commissioned infrastructure projects, technology upgrades, and new additions to the suite of instrumentation at the W. M. Keck Observatory. It also provides a status update on projects currently in design or development phases, as well as projects in exploratory phases that originate from the observatory's strategic plan updated in 2022.