Magdelena Ridge Observatory Interferometer: Advancing to First Light and New Science

I will report on the final stages of the design and build efforts for the Magdelena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI). Located at an elevation of 10,5000 ft, approximately 1 hour west of Socorro, NM, the observatory is being built by the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) in clode collaboration with scientists from the Cavendish Lamoratory at the University of Cambridge. When completed, MROI will be the most sensitive imaging optical/IR interferometer in the world. This talk will present an overview of the design of the entire facilityD, discussions of innovative approaches on several subsystems, science possibilities with the facility at various stages in the build, and a timeline toward first fringes and scientific commissioning of MROI. Delivery of the first telescope is anticipated later this year, with first light expected in 2012.