Gemini Observatory Press Releases

Serendipitous Science

Background Information

For more information, please see the press release.

Trifid Image:

Date Obtained: June 5-6th 2002
Instrument: GMOS on Gemini North
Seeing: 0.8-1.0 arcsec FWHM
Field of View: 5 arcminutes
Integration Time: 12x15sec (3 minutes total) for each filter
Filter(s): This color composite image was produced by combining three individual images using the following filter/color assignments:

Red: z-band (Effective Wavelength >=925nm)
Green: r-band (Effective Wavelength = 630nm)
Blue: g-band (Effective Wavelength = 475nm)

Processing notes: The central region was processed with a different log stretch and combined with the other images to bring out details in the central region. Initial processing was done by Tim Davidge (HIA) and IRAF was used (thanks to Tracy Beck) to perform log stretches. PhotoShop was used to make the final color composite.

Pluto Image:

Date Obtained: June 6-7th 2002
Instrument: GMOS on Gemini North
Seeing: 0.8 arcsec FWHM
Field of View: 5 arcminutes
Integration Time: 6X3sec (18 seconds total)
Filter(s): i-band (Effective Wavelength = 780nm)

Processing notes: False color was added in PhotoShop and final image stretch was done in IRAF


Peter Michaud / pmichaud@gemini.edu / June 20, 2002