Spectroscopic Investigation of Nebular Gas (SING): general objectives and preliminary optical layout

Abstract

The ultraviolet spectral subdiapasons, both near UV (180─300 nm) and far UV (115─180 nm), are highly requested by astrophysicists. The successful space missions like IUE, HST, GALEX and others provided scientists with absolutely new data for astrophysical studies. Direct UV images of the sky allow tracking the morphology of extended objects (planetary nebulae, supernova remnants etc), but these data provide very limited information about understanding the physical conditions (temperature, density, radiation field). Spectroscopic observations make it possible to study local physical conditions, but usually only at one point in an extended nebula. Spectroscopy that is based on long-slit spectrograph observations allow to combine these both. To study dynamics and evolution of extended objects we propose such an instrument SING (Spectroscopic Investigation of Nebular Gas). We plan to install it onboard the upcoming Chinese Modular Space Station (CSS). Here we describe general objectives and preliminary optical layout of the SING.