Gemini Observatory is developing new web-based software for proposal and observation preparation. Starting on Monday, August 4, Gemini will accept proposals for GMOS long-slit spectroscopy using this new system. The deadline for submission will be August 22 at 23:59 UT and all proposals must follow the dual-anonymous (DARP) rules. Afterward, participants will be asked to provide feedback about the new software. Submitters will review other proposals using the Fast Turnaround infrastructure, and reviews must be completed two weeks after the submission deadline so that observations may be executed in the period Sep 23 - Oct 4 UT. Because the observations will be conducted during limited-term engineering blocks, they should be classified as 'shared-risk', meaning data quality and execution are not guaranteed.
Important Dates
Aug 22 at 23:59 UT - proposal submission deadline
Sep 05 at 23:59 UT - peer review deadline
Sep 12 - results announced
Sep 19 - deadline for finalizing observations
Sep 23 - Oct 04 UT - observing window
Eligibility
PIs from all participant countries including the Subaru user community may propose. The US open skies policy does not apply to this call.
RA ranges
Sidereal targets between 18h < RA < 1h may be proposed. Non-sidereal targets, ToOs, and blind offsetting are not supported at this time.
Time available
Up to 40 hours, roughly split between the sites, with a maximum proposal length of 5 hours. It is encouraged to use logical groups to give options for different conditions - e.g. observation A with IQ<0.8" or observation B with IQ<1.5"
Available instruments and modes
GMOS-N and GMOS-S long-slit spectroscopy using any of the available gratings except the B600 and R600. Nod & shuffle is not supported at this time.
Submission
Proposals must be submitted using the new Gemini Explore web application. On the Proposal tab select the "GPP XT1" Call for Proposals, and use one of the 2025B FT templates.
PIs from the Subaru community should choose “USA” and your affiliation will be used to infer your eligibility.
Proposals may be submitted, retracted, and re-submitted up until the CfP deadline.
Feedback
Proposers will be requested to provide detailed feedback on the new software after the proposal deadline, and awardees will be asked to provide additional feedback on the Phase-2 process and data quality.
Getting Help
The new Gemini Explore software includes built-in help and a software manual. For further assistance please contact the Gemini Help Desk and select the topic “Explore”.
Review Process
This CfP will use the Fast Turnaround peer review process and proposers will need to evaluate a small number (<10) of proposals. All proposals must be anonymized according to the Dual Anonymous Review Process. Proposals will be evaluated based on science ranking as well as engineering needs, e.g. testing a range of target types, wavelength ranges, position angle modes, and exposure modes.