The Gemini North enclosure bottom shutter experienced a drive shaft bearing failure in one of the two driveboxes during the night of July 27, similar to what happened to the Gemini North enclosure top shutter in 2014. The next day, the day crew locked out the bottom shutter at a position that has limited the telescope lower elevation to 38 degrees above horizon, while we continue to observe at night.
The Gemini observing databases will be offline for several hours on Tuesday July 26 while we perform software updates.
The latest version of the 2016B Observing Tool (2016B.2.1.1) will be required to access the observing databases after the update. Please synchronize any outgoing changes before the update, as the old OT will not be able to communicate with the new databases.
In preparation for the start of 2016B, all Director's Discretionary (DD) time and Poor Weather (PW) proposals must use the 2016B Phase I Tool (PIT). See the PIT Version Table for more information and download links.
The 2016B Gemini Observing Tool is now available for download. This update is required to access the Gemini Observing Databases.
The Installation Instructions are linked off of the Observing Tool web page, and we recommend that everyone download their programs from the databases rather than import from saved XMLs.
The Gemini North update is complete.
The Gemini North update is in progress...
The Gemini South update is complete.
STScI has today announced AstroConda, a distribution of Python and IRAF packages that is intended to replace Ureka, based on Continuum Analytics' Anaconda.
Gemini is now accepting proposals for observing time in Semester 2016B. The submission deadline varies with partner. A new version of the Phase I Tool (PIT) has been released to support proposal submissions.
In preparation for the start of 2016A, all Fast Turnaround (FT), Director's Discretionary (DD) time, and Poor Weather (PW) proposals must use the 2016A Phase I Tool (PIT). See the PIT Version Table for more information and download links.