The Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is a second generation instrument in development for theVery Large Telescope (VLT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). It is a panoramic integral-field spectrograph operating in the visible wavelength range. It combines a wide field of view with the improved spatial resolution provided by adaptive optics and covers a large simultaneous spectral range. MUSE couples the discovery potential of an imaging device to the measuring capabilities of a spectrograph, while taking advantage of the increased spatial resolution provided by adaptive optics. This makes it a unique and powerful tool for discovering objects that cannot be found in imaging surveys.

MUSE is optimised for the study of the progenitors of normal nearby galaxies out to very high redshift.It will also allow very detailed studies of nearby normal, starburst and interacting galaxies, and of galactic star formation regions.

MUSE is a project of 7 European institutes lead by the Centre de Recherche Astronomique de Lyon (CRAL). The project has successfully passed the stage of a Phase-A study and was endorsed by ESO STC for approval by Council. A Kick-off Meeting into the Predesign Phase was held in Lyon on 18-Jan-2005. Contract negotiations with ESO are expected to be finalized by June 2005. First light of the instrument is scheduled for 2012.