The Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is an integral field
spectrograph with unique capabilities on the Very Large Telescope. With
its high sensitivity and by providing a complete view of the optical
spectrum over 1 arcmin2 it has been a tremendous breakthrough in the way
galactic and extragalactic observations are performed. The success of
MUSE calls for new ideas for the next generation of IFUs, and I will
present the concept of a BlueMUSE. With a field of view increased up to
1.4 x 1.4 arcmin2 and a higher spectral resolution, BlueMUSE is covering
wavelengths down to the atmospheric cut-off (350 nm). The current
instrumental concept currently being investigated includes the use of
curved detectors. BlueMUSE opens up a new range of galactic and
extragalactic science cases allowed by its specific capabilities:
including for example the study of young stars, the properties of the
gas in the circumgalactic medium, and high redshift clusters.
