The first screws of the mount of the Italian Interferometric BIdimensional Spectrometer - IBIS 2.0 have been driven onto the hull of the THEMIS spectrograph. This is the first step of the installation of IBIS 2.0 at THEMIS. IBIS 2.0 is an outstanding synergic complement of THEMIS long slit spectrograph MTR2, which will enhance THEMIS competitiveness in the 1-1.5m solar telescope category, providing strong scientific capabilities.

During a preparatory visit at THEMIS, engineers of different observatories of the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), from Milan, Roma and https://www.oats.inaf.it/index.php/it/ Trieste, have started to assemble the first pieces of the optical bench of IBIS 2.0. An alternative beam path provided by THEMIS, located after its adaptive optics, will exit the THEMIS spectrograph hull and feed IBIS 2.0, which will be mounted vertically on THEMIS.

The upgraded version of IBIS 2.0 shall be fully installed at the THEMIS telescope during the spring of 2026.