Gemini Preprint #13


Observing with a 21st Century Groundbased Telescope - or How to Do Unique Science with the Gemini Telescopes

Phil Puxley
Gemini 8m Telescopes Project, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson AZ 85719

Todd Boroson
US Gemini Project Office, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson AZ 85719

Abstract.

The new generation of ground-based telescopes offer unique observational opportunities for astronomy. By adopting the paradigm that observations must be matched to conditions it will be possible to use an 8m telescope to couple the spatial resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope with at least 10 times the collecting area. To effectively exploit these characteristics will require a considerable degree of pre-planning and prediction of environmental and atmospheric conditions combined with the ability to dynamically schedule observations. In this paper we describe the approach being taken by the Gemini telescopes to implement this new observing mode which is essential to realize Gemini's ambitious science requirements.

Appears in Proc. SPIE 2871, "Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow".

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Ruth A. Kneale / web@gemini.edu / November 15, 1996