Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer: progress toward first light

Abstract

The Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer is a 10-element 1.4 meter aperture optical and near-infrared interferometer being built at 3,200 meters altitude on Magdalena Ridge, west of Socorro, NM. The interferometer layout is an equilateral "Y" configuration to complement our key science mission, which is centered around imaging faint and complex astrophysical targets. This paper serves as an overview and update on the status of the observatory and our progress towards first light and first fringes in the next few years.