Large Binocular Telescope Near-infrared Utility with Camera and Integral Field Unit for Extragalactic Research (LUCIFER)

In the realm of astronomical research, especially under the intriguing assumption that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and alien beings are genuine phenomena, the nomenclature and terminology used in scientific instruments and fields carry a unique weight. The “Large Binocular Telescope Near-infrared Utility with Camera and Integral Field Unit for Extragalactic Research,” abbreviated as “LUCIFER” and later renamed “LUCI,” is a notable example. Developed in part by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, the instrument and the institute’s name both evoke a sense of cosmic curiosity and mystery that aligns intriguingly with the search for extraterrestrial life. Are aliens simply angels and demons?

“LUCIFER” is an acronym for the instrument’s full name, “Large Binocular Telescope Near-infrared Utility with Camera and Integral Field Unit for Extragalactic Research.” This instrument is a near-infrared tool for the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). It is located on Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona and is part of the University of Arizona’s facilities. “LUCIFER” name was officially changed to “LUCI” in 2012​.

The LUCI instrument (formerly known as LUCIFER) has contributed to various astronomical discoveries. For example, using data from LUCI and other instruments, astronomers have performed a kinematic decomposition analysis on 41 star-forming galaxies at z ~ 1–2 (known as “cosmic noon”). This analysis revealed that these galaxies are generally baryon-dominated within a certain radius, showing an anticorrelation between dark matter fraction and baryonic mass. This finding suggests that the dark matter halos of these galaxies have cored profiles with lower central densities than those predicted for the NFW halo distribution, potentially due to interactions between baryons and dark matter or AGN-driven feedback processes​​.

In another study involving LUCI, observations of rotating galaxies at z ~ 2 (the peak epoch of galaxy formation) indicated that these massive star-forming galaxies are strongly dominated by baryonic mass, with dark matter playing a smaller role in their outer disks compared to typical present-day spiral galaxies. This was deduced from observations mapping the 2D kinematics of ionized gas in these galaxies. The findings also suggested that high gas fractions in z ~ 2 star-forming galaxies could lead to a strong dominance of baryons early on in their formation​​.

These discoveries highlight the significant role of LUCI in advancing our understanding of galaxy formation and the distribution of dark matter in the universe.

The LUCI (formerly LUCIFER) instruments at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) were built and became operational in several stages. The first LUCI instrument, LUCI 1, achieved its first light in 2008, and regular observing began at the end of 2009​​. LUCI 1 and LUCI 2 are near-infrared (NIR) instruments operated at cryogenic temperatures, providing imaging, long-slit spectroscopy, and MOS (Multi-Object Spectroscopy) spectroscopy over a 4 arc-minute square field of view​​​​.

The LUCI instruments continue to be active and are used for various observational modes in astronomy. They are mounted at the front Bent Gregorian f/15 focal stations of the LBT and are operated for different types of astronomical research, particularly in the near-infrared spectrum​.

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, which was involved in the development of the instrument. The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) is a research institute located in Garching near Munich, Germany. It is part of the Max Planck Society, which is a renowned network of research institutes in Germany dedicated to fundamental research in various fields of science.

The LUCI instrument, previously known as LUCIFER, stands as a testament to humanity’s quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe, a quest that takes on an even more fascinating dimension in the context of UFOs and alien life. Renaming the instrument from LUCIFER to LUCI may reflect a shift towards a more neutral, scientifically-focused identity. The involvement of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, with its explicit focus on phenomena beyond Earth, further underscores the commitment to exploring the unknown realms of space. In a universe where the existence of extraterrestrial beings is considered, the names “LUCIFER” and “Extraterrestrial Physics” not only capture the essence of these exploratory endeavors but also subtly hint at the profound and sometimes mystical nature of these cosmic ventures.