We present the final global design and performances of EMIR, the NIR multiobject spectrograph of the GTC, as well as the plan for its early scientific exploitation. EMIR, currently in the middle of its final phase, will be one of the first common user instruments for the GTC, the 10 meter telescope under construction by GRANTECAN at the Roque de

ELMER is a visible imager-spectrograph currently scheduled to be in operation at the GTC on Day One. The design phase of the ELMER Structure and Mechanisms ended on November 2002. Since then, after manufacturing and mechanical integration, an exhaustive test campaign at factory was carried out. We present the fabrication and assembly highlights and

ELMER is a multi-purpose Camera&Spectrograph in the optical range for the GTC. ELMERs electro-mechanical design was based in well known, straightforward and reliable solutions, hence each mechanism is based in a wheel driven by a pre-loaded worm gear transmission, except focusing of the focal plane on the CCD which is based in a translation stage

We have analyzed spectroscopic earthshine data to determine Earth's nightly spectral albedos covering the visible, near and middle infrared spectral ranges. Observations in the visible were undertaken from Palomar Observatory with the spectrograph in the Palomar 60" telescope and with the echelle spectrograph of the InfraRed Telescope Facility

We present ESO-NTT low resolution spectroscopy of the neutron star X-ray transient Cen X-4 in quiescence over a complete orbital cycle. Our data reveal the presence of a K3-7 V companion which contributes 63% to the 5600-6900 Å flux and orbits the neutron star with a velocity semi-amplitude of K_2=145.8± 1.0 km s-1. This, combined with a previous

A good alternative to traditional methods of passing on astronomical concepts is to use a 'collateral' story that catches the public's attention. It may also simultaneously give a vital opportunity to awaken the critical faculty that often seems so perilously close to extinction these days. The recipe is simple: nothing but an actor or actress, his