The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA), on behalf of Gemini Observatory is soliciting proposals to design, fabricate, assemble, test, deliver, and commission Gemini Observatory's next facility class instrument, Gen 4#3. Gen 4#3 will be a wide-band medium-resolution spectrograph designed to take advantage of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) follow up opportunities.
On September 16th, 2015, La Serena was hit by a magnitude ~8.3 earthquake at 19:54 local time, with the epicenter about 150 km from La Serena. Fortunately, Gemini staff at the Cerro Pachón summit and in La Serena were all fine. Our thoughts go out to the people that lost their lives and homes due to the quake and the following tsunami that strongly impacted the coastal areas.
Gemini is pleased to announce the launch of 4 feasibility studies as a result of the GIFS RfP process. The four studies (alphabetically) are GEONIS, GMOX, MOVIES, and OCTOCAM. Below is a brief synopsis of each study:
Commercial power has been restored to Cerro Pachón, and the road will be passable for a delivery of fuel for the backup generator on Monday. Thus, we will be resuming science operations early next week.
A severe weather event in Northern Chile with intense rains, flash floods, and mudslides has interrupted Gemini South operations. There is no damage to the facility or personnel, but we now have limited power and significant damage to the access road. To protect the infrastructure, Gemini is doing a controlled shutdown of all telescope systems including instruments. The date to resume operations is uncertain, with science operations not expected to start again before the middle of next week at the earliest.
The Users Committee for Gemini has reserved a 2-hour block for a hands-on, bring-your-own data workshop with Gemini staff and expert users. What topics would you like to see addressed in such a workshop? Examples might be mask-making with GMMPS or reducing GPI data; please tell us what YOU would like help with by submitting topics for discussion.
As part of Gemini’s comprehensive energy savings initiative, Gemini North Telescope Facility (GN) seeks to provide a full range of improvements and services to reduce costs of energy and water use (referred to as Energy Savings Projects - ESP). Services may include a technical audit to assess energy, water, and operations and maintenance savings opportunities, design, acquisition, installation or modification of energy-using equipment, and maintenance and training in the operation of such equipment.
On the 31st October Gemini Observatory will host an interactive remote Bidders Conference for participates to learn more about the GIFS RfP.
Participants can attend by phone or by polycom. Gemini will host two equivalent sessions to allow for participation across many different time zones.
Session 1: 11:00 – 13:30 CLST
Session 2: 19:00 – 21:30 CLST
If you plan on attending one of the sessions, please email gifs_rfp@gemini.edu and inform us which session you plan on attending and how. (i.e. my phone or polycom)