2014B Observing Tool released
The 2014B Gemini Observing Tool is now available for download. This update is required to access the database. Installation instructions are linked off of the Observing Tool web page, and we recommend that everyone download their programs from scratch from the ODBs rather than import from saved XMLs.
Gemini’s New Optical Spectrograph Moves Ahead!
A key milestone for the Gemini High-resolution Optical Spectrograph (GHOS) is now complete with final approval of the post-conceptual-design contracts by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Gemini Board, and the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA).
Electrical Accident at Gemini North Closes Road, Injury Minor
When performing electrical troubleshooting at Gemini North telescope facility on Wednesday, February 26, one of our electrical specialists accidentally contacted a powered circuit and received an electrical shock. He was evacuated and evaluated at the nearest medical facility, and he has been released and advised that he could go back to work.
2014B Call for Proposals Announced
Gemini is now accepting proposals for observing time in Semester 2014B. The submission deadline varies with partner and ranges from MONDAY MARCH 31, 2014 to TUESDAY APRIL 1, 2014. A new version of the Phase I Tool (PIT) has been released to support proposal submissions.
March GeMS Run Cancelled
The Gemini South laser suffered a fault towards the end of the last GeMS run in February. The laser power has been lost to a level that prohibits useful science. Unfortunately, despite all the efforts of the laser team, we were not able to recover the laser during the run. The problem has been identified and a plan is under development to recover, which involves replacement of key hardware parts and realignment of the system. Internal and external specialists will collaborate to complete this work and return the laser to the level required to do science.
Gemini North Back On-sky: Dome Repairs Complete
After a very involved repair to a drive unit for the shutter of the Gemini North dome, Gemini North is back on the sky for regular science operations. See more at: www.gemini.edu/node/12160 .
GPI Call for Early Science programs
The call for Early Science programs using the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) is now open, with full information posted at http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/instruments/gpi/gpi-early-science/call-proposals. Proposals for shared-risk observations are due February 28, for execution in April.
Gemini North Dome Shutter Repair Shutdown UPDATE as of 2/7/14
The repairs to the shutter drive unit on the exterior of the Gemini North dome appear to be reaching the home stretch with a plan to reinstall the repaired drive unit on Monday, February 10th and be back on the sky on February 12th. As always, this is assuming the weather allows the work to progress as planned and no further complications occur.