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Semester 2014B Time Distribution

Overview

The time available on each of Gemini North and South is distributed according to the Observatory partners' shares . To maintain overall balance amongst the partnership, the allocations are adjusted each semester as a result of actual time charged in prior semesters. The allocations are approved at the Operations Working Group meeting prior to the Call. Historically, around 5% of each semester's science time is used to complete highly ranked programs from the previous two semesters to which the ITAC granted rollover status. This time is included in the time distributions given below.

The science time available at each telescope includes a 7% Director's Discretionary Time allocation. Currently, the Director makes 5% available for staff use via the Call for Proposals, while 2% will be available to all astronomers through the Director's Discretionary Time proposal process. The estimated time available for each partner and host institution in 2014B is shown in the Tables below. The number of nights is approximated by int(hours/10).

Gemini North: Time Availability and Distribution

The planned time available for science use at Gemini North is 88.5% of the total time available in 2014B, which amounts to a minimum of ~163 nights. This time includes time used for queue and classical observations, large and long programs for participating partners, weather loss, and time lost to faults. A total of 15 nights of the science time have been reserved for Director's Discretionary Time, as well as time for system verification and demonstration science of new instruments and modes. A total of 21 nights of the total available time have been reserved for engineering; this includes a 14 night shutdown, engineering time in the queue, and instrument performance monitoring. All unused engineering time will be returned to science.

Partner Estimated Hours Available
US 859*
Canada 231*
Australia 99*
Brazil 73
Argentina 43*
Univ. of Hawaii (host) 176

* - The total time available for the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina includes time allocated through the Large and Long Program process.

Gemini South: Time Availability and Distribution

The planned time available for science use at Gemini South is 83% of the total time available in 2014B, which amounts to a minimum of ~153 nights. This time includes time used for queue and classical observations, large and long programs for participating partners, weather loss, and time lost to faults. A total of 28 nights of this time have been reserved for Director's Discretionary Time, GSAOI guaranteed time, the GPI Campaign, and GPI guaranteed time . A total of 31 nights of the total available time have been reserved for engineering; this includes a 16 night shutdown, engineering time in the queue, instrument performance monitoring, and commissioning for new instruments and modes. All unused engineering time will be returned to science.

Partner Estimated Hours Available
US 727*
Canada 191*
Australia 87*
Brazil 60
Argentina 35*
Chile (host) 154

* - The total time available for the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina includes time allocated through the Large and Long Program process.


Gemini Observatory Participants