Overview of the Gemini IRAF Package

Gemini is developing data reduction software for use with observational data obtained with the Gemini telescopes. The released version of the software is available to users and other interested parties as the Gemini IRAF package, an external package layered upon IRAF.

The Gemini IRAF package is used at the Gemini telescopes for the purpose of assessing the data obtained. The tasks in the Gemini IRAF package are also being incorporated in online data processing as part of the observing programs using the Observing Tool.

The Gemini IRAF package currently supports data from the following instruments: GMOS-N, GMOS-S, NIFS, GNIRS, NIFS, Michelle, TReCS, OSCIR, Hokupa'a+QUIRC and Flamingos-I. Support for other facility instruments will be added as these instruments become available. Follow the links in the contents list below for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENT - IRAF 2.14
February 5, 2008
We have completed our tests of the Gemini package with IRAF 2.14 (must include the 1/14/08 critical update). We are happy to report that no major issues have been found. At this time we are confident that the Gemini package can be used with IRAF 2.14. Thank you for your patience

IRAF 2.13beta2
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Gemini package has NOT been tested against IRAF 2.13beta2. This does not mean it will not work but rather that you use it at your own risk. IRAF 2.13beta2 is not a final release and it known to still contain bugs.

In particular, a problem with FITCOORDS has recently been found. This would affect users of the Gemini package only if IRAF 2.13beta2 (or beta1) is used. At this time, we recommend continuing to run the Gemini package with IRAF 2.12.2a.

We realized that some people might have to use IRAF 2.13beta2 (e.g. some Mac Intel users). We have acquired a fixed version of the FITCOORDS code from the IRAF group. Mac Intel / IRAF 2.13beta2 users should install this unofficial patch:
fitcoords213b2-macintel.tar.gz
Installation instructions are given in:
fitcoords213b2.README
The binaries were compiled at Gemini; if you have problems with this patch please contact Gemini (see README file), not the IRAF group.

Current released version: 1.9.1 Released December 20, 2006
Requirements for running the Gemini IRAF package
Versions and revision history
Cookbooks and task listings
Known bugs in current and previous versions
Plans for packages to be included in later releases. These plans are subject to changes prior to the release of the described packages.

A special software is available for GMOS-MOS users wishing to use catalogue sources to design their masks instead of pre-imaging. The software is not available from Gemini v1.9.1. Users requiring that software need to download this file: gemini-gmsk. Installation instructions are given in the file README-GMSK. Please refer to the GMOS webpage for usage instructions.

The Gemini IRAF package is organized in a number of sub-packages. It contains a generic tools package, "gemtools", and will contain instrument-specific packages, as well as more generic packages for different types of data. The raw data from the Gemini facility instruments are stored as multi-extension FITS (MEF) files. Therefore all the tasks in "gemtools" and all packages intended for processing of data from the facility instruments are capable of handling MEF files. Gemini provides limited reduction software only for visitor instruments like Hokupa'a/QUIRC, OSCIR and Flamingos-I.

In original form; Inger Jørgensen
Last update February 5, 2008; Kathleen Labrie