We’re a major partner in a new telescope instrument that will help us see massive stars in the Milky Way and view the distant Universe.
Our joint team from the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and Centre for Advanced Instrumentation helped develop the science case for the Blue Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (BlueMUSE).
They are also in charge of the mechanical design of the instrument’s spectrograph. This will split light into wavelengths so scientists can study the properties of objects in space.
BlueMUSE will be installed on the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile.
BlueMUSE will provide detailed observations within the Milky Way and our galactic neighbourhood, helping study targets as varied as massive stars, nebulae and comets.
The instrument will allow scientists to answer key questions about the evolution of stars.
It will also revolutionise the study of the distant Universe by allowing the detection of the diffuse material – like gas - in the space between galaxies.
This will help scientists to understand how matter moves within this environment.
BlueMUSE will also observe faint galaxies, as well as starburst galaxies, to investigate their extreme star-forming environment.
ESO has now signed the agreement for the construction of BlueMUSE.
This means the instrument can advance to the preliminary design phase where our scientists will contribute further to its science and hardware.
BlueMUSE is expected to begin making observations in 2034.
Discover more about our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and Centre for Advanced Instrumentation.
BlueMUSE will be built by an international consortium composed of nine research institutes in multiple countries and ESO.
Our Department of Physics is ranked 88th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 and third in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2026.Visit our Physics webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Banner image: The concept for one of the BlueMUSE spectrographs. The image from the telescope is split into 16 separate slices and enters the spectrograph at the top left. It passes through lenses and is dispersed into different wavelengths/colours using a Volume Phase Holographic Grating. These are imaged onto the detector, allowing the astronomers to analyse the chemical composition and brightness of celestial objects. Image courtesy of Joss Guy and the BlueMUSE consortium.
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/central-news-and-events-images/83431-1920X290.jpg)