The “utility” slit for the echelle gratings. This slit is the most photometric of the supported echelle slits and has the highest throughput for photon statistics. Starting in Cycle 12, this slit is also supported for use with the first order gratings, and it is the recommended aperture for first order MAMA snapshot and survey programs that do not have a scientific need for a long-slit (see
Section 2.8 “STIS Snapshot Program Policies”).