Gemini South Observing Database offline May-25
May 24th, 2017
The Gemini South Observing Database will be offline 2017-May-25 from approximately 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM CST while work is done on the network infrastructure.
Science Operations Announcements
Gemini South closed due to very bad weather
May 19th, 2017
Update May 27th
Telescope is now back in operation after the snow and ice being removed from the dome.
Update May 26th
The poor weather has continued and impeded science operations. The conditions are now improving and a special team will travel to the summit on Satirday the 27th to clean the dome from ice and snow, and if all goes well we will be able to open on Saturday the 27th.
Update May 19th
GS observing database not accessible due to network failure
April 27th, 2017
The Gemini South observing database is not accessible as of 9:00am on April 27, 2017 due to a network hardware failure at CTIO. Repair work is ongoing but there is currently no estimate of when this will be repaired. This will prevent program sync and auxiliary file transfers. This announcement will be updated as we learn more.
Update April 28: The network link has been restored but communication with the observing database may be unreliable.
Patched 17A OT available for non-sidereal observations
March 28th, 2017
The Gemini Observing Tool version 2017A.1.1.5 is now available for download. This version fixes non-sidereal target queries to the JPL Horizons service.
Installation instructions are linked off of the Observing Tool web page
Non-sidereal target coordinate lookups currently not working in OT and PIT
March 23rd, 2017
Due to a recent change in the JPL Horizons service the ephemeris lookups for non-sidereal targets in the OT and PIT are currently not working. We are currently investigating the issue and we have identified a solution. If the change to Horizons is permanent then we will release new versions of the OT and PIT within the next few days. For now Gemini staff will manually update the ephemerides for non-sidereal targets in the queue.
2017B Call for Proposals Announced
March 1st, 2017
Gemini is now accepting proposals for observing time in Semester 2017B. The submission deadline varies with participant. A new version of the Phase I Tool (PIT) has been released to support proposal submissions.
2017B Phase I Tool released
March 1st, 2017
The 2017B Phase I Tool (PIT) has been released in support of the 2017B call for proposals.
Gemini North February Laser Guide Star run cancelled, LGS unavailable in semester 17B.
February 22nd, 2017
The Gemini North laser system has suffered a significant set back with a hardware and optics fault. Recovery of the system is unlikely and priority will go to commissioning the South Toptica laser, followed by the North Toptica laser. The February 2017 North LGS run is cancelled, and LGS will not be offered for semester 2017B regular programs at Gemini North. The queue coordinators are identifying LGS programs that can get useful science using a natural guide star or very good (IQ20) seeing conditions.
Gemini South observing database offline February 7
February 7th, 2017
The Gemini South observing database will be offline between approximately 10:00 and 13:00, Chile time, due to network equipment maintenance. All GS ODB services including program sync, attachment transfer, guide star catalogs, image servers, and ITC calculations will be unavailable. Services at Gemini North should not be affected.
Gemini North welcomes Band 4 proposals using GNIRS or NIRI in poor weather conditions
February 3rd, 2017
Gemini-North is in need of poor weather programs that can take CC80 or worse and/or IQ Any using NIRI or GNIRS ONLY. If you have an idea for a program that can take such conditions, please see the Poor Weather Proposal Process web page for more information on applying for Band 4 time.