The Taipan Galaxy Survey  [slides]

Abstract

The Taipan galaxy survey is a multi-object spectroscopic survey starting this year that will cover 2π steradians over the southern sky and obtain optical spectra for about 2 million galaxies out to a redshift z=0.4. It will use the newly-refurbished 1.2-metre UK Schmidt Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory with the new TAIPAN instrument, which includes an innovative 'Starbugs' positioning system capable of rapidly and simultaneously deploying up to 150 spectroscopic fibres over the 6-degree diameter focal plane, and a purpose-built spectrograph. The main scientific goals of Taipan are: (i) to measure the distance scale of the Universe (primarily governed by the local expansion rate, H0) to 1% precision, and the structure growth rate of structure to 5%; (ii) to make the most extensive map yet constructed of the mass distribution and motions in the local Universe, using peculiar velocities based on improved Fundamental Plane distances, which will enable sensitive tests of gravitational physics; and (iii) to deliver a legacy sample of low-redshift galaxies as a unique laboratory for studying galaxy evolution as a function of mass and environment. The Taipan survey will be the primary redshift and optical spectroscopic reference catalogue for the local Universe over the southern sky.