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Gemini North Observing Database Online
The Gemini North hardware maintenance is complete and the Observing Database is back online. Please submit a Help Desk ticket if you have encounter any problems.
Status and Availability
2012 Feb 25
NIRI is available for queue and classical imaging observations.
Not all filters are available at any one time; check the filter list to see which are currently installed.
NIRI occasionally suffers from vertical striping and shifts in DC levels which can both vary from quadrant to quadrant. Details can be found here.
Previous News Items
Gemini e-newscast #44
The Gemini e-newscast #44 (Feb. 14, 2013) features:
- Infrared Supernova Spectroscopy
- GeMS/GSAOI Update
- Users’ Committee for Gemini
- GPI to Start Acceptance Testing
- Gemini North Shutdown Complete
- "Big" Winner of Australian Student Imaging Contest
GNIRS Imaging
GNIRS can be used for near-infrared (1.0-2.5µm) imaging science and is in fact quite sensitive. However, as a photometer/imager it has the following limitations.
Surprising Results From the Earliest Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of a Type Ia Supernova
Figure 1.
Wavelength Calibration
Nearly all near-infrared spectra, except perhaps certain regions at very high resolution, contain sky emission lines which can be used for wavelength calibration. However, at low and moderate resolution these lines are often blends and may not be easily identified. For wavelengths < 2.5 um, measurement of arc lines for wavelength calibration is recommended.
Successful Shutdown at Gemini North
The Gemini North telescope completed a successful maintenance shutdown that began on January 22. As of Saturday night (2/2/13), the telescope is back on the sky and executing semester 2013A science programs. During the shutdown many key systems underwent maintenance and/or upgrades with the most significant work focusing on the acquisition and guiding (A&G) system and the installation of sensors to help measure vibrations and further improve high-resolution adaptive optics imaging.