Gemini South Telescope resuming operations this week.

Gemini South telescope has remained closed the entire past week after heavy snowfall over Pachon. The large quantity of snow accumulated over the summit during the two events between July 9 and July 15 prevented the telescope from being open, with large accumulation of snow and ice on the roads as well.  Additionally, commercial power was lost and its return is expected sometime during this week, although there is still no certainty about that. On July 20th, Gemini personnel could safely reach the telescope and they managed to do a controlled shutdown just in time before the generator ran out of fuel. A provision of fuel was delivered on July 22, therefore systems are being gradually restarted today. It is expected that nightime operations will be resumed at some point during the week.