Min (Minkyeong) is a student at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, pursuing a degree in Information & Computer Science. Originally from Korea, she moved to Hawai‘i independently to grow both academically and personally. In addition to her studies, she works as a tutor, helping peers strengthen their understanding of math concepts. Min is eager to gain industry experience through internships, with a long term goal of contributing to Hawai‘i’s growing tech industry.
Institution when accepted: UH Manoa
Project Site: Subaru Telescope, Hilo, Hawai‘i
Mentors: Russell Kackley and Dr. Ichi Tanaka
Project title: Replacing and Upgrading the Mask Design Program for Subaru Telescope’s MOIRCS Instrument
Project Abstract:
The Subaru Telescope on Maunakea in Hawai‘i features an 8.2-meter primary mirror, the largest smooth, monolithic mirror in the world. The Multi-Object Infrared Camera and Spectrograph (MOIRCS) uses Multi-Object Spectroscopy (MOS) to simultaneously capture spectra from 40 to 60 targets, requiring astronomers to design custom slit masks for each observing program. These designs are used to produce precision-cut aluminum plates that isolate light from selected targets during observations. Currently, these masks are designed using the Mask Design Program (MDP), a graphical interface originally developed in IDL over 20 years ago. However, the program’s limited functionality and unstable software have been decreasing users’ efficiency and productivity. This project aims to modernize the MDP by rebuilding it as a Python-based application. The new version will also utilize Ginga, a specialized FITS image viewer with a flexible GUI and plugin system. The upgraded tool will preserve all core functionality of the original, such as uploading FITS images, interactively designing and editing slit masks, and configuring grism parameters that control spectral placement. In addition, it will introduce several enhancements, including separate channel display modes and an automatic spectral overlap detection feature. By transitioning to an open-source framework, this project supports long-term sustainability and collaboration, enhancing the MOIRCS MOS mode experience for open-use observers worldwide.