Introducing BlueSi: An essential resource for preparation of astronomical research with BlueMUSE
BlueSi is a simulation software in development by Martin Wendt at Potsdam University [LINK] to support the BlueMUSE spectrograph at the Very Large Telescope (VLT). It plays an important part in preparing for BlueMUSE’s deployment, which will enhance scientific exploration by providing detailed observations in the blue optical range.
About BlueSi – in short
BlueSi provides an essential framework for simulating the science data products expected from BlueMUSE. This simulation software is intended in particular for researchers during the instrument development phase, allowing for detailed testing and refinement based on realistic observational scenarios. You will find more details in our 2024 SPIE paper.
Figure 1. Left: Original VLT/MUSE observations of NGC3201. Right: Matched BlueSi simulations of MUSE data.
Key Features of BlueSi:
- Simulation of Data Cubes: BlueSi generates synthetic data cubes, incorporating critical environmental factors like atmospheric conditions and background noise. This allows researchers to prepare for the data types BlueMUSE will produce.
- Technical Specification Analysis: The software aids in evaluating BlueMUSE’s capabilities, such as its spatial and spectral resolution, and throughput ensuring that it will meet scientific goals.
- Science Planning and Preparation: BlueSi enables research teams to simulate various observational conditions, facilitating the preparation of methodologies for scientific analysis with the forthcoming instrument. With BlueSi, we prepare a series of characteristic scenes for key science targets, aiding in research preparation and prediction of instrument performance. These simulations include crowded fields typical of globular cluster observations, dense stellar environments with significant interstellar medium (ISM) contributions, such as those found in 30 Doradus. It also models complex kinematic and chemical structures within resolved galaxies, as well as weak, extended sources like Lyman-alpha emitters. By offering these diverse simulations, BlueSi enables research teams to refine methodologies and anticipate the scientific challenges and opportunities presented by BlueMUSE.
Figure 2. White images of the 30 Doradus inspired object simulated at different distances. Left: natural spanning about 20 parsecs at the distance of 49 kpc. Right: projected to distance of 75 kpc. The logarithmic flux scales of these images conceal the impact on the visual magnitudes.
Why BlueSi Matters
BlueSi is highly beneficial in establishing the groundwork for successful scientific endeavors with BlueMUSE, particularly during the phase leading up to its first light. By simulating the expected data products and observing conditions, BlueSi allows researchers to evaluate and refine their analytical tools and techniques early in the development process.