The Gemini South observing database will be offline starting on either March 27 or 28 due to the shutdown resulting from the recent Chilean rainstorms. It is currently not known when the database will be back online. Please check the Gemini web site for further announcements. While the database is offline Gemini South users will not be able to sync programs or transfer files with the Observing Tool. Also, the Gemini South DSS image server will not be available.

The Gemini observing databases will be offline briefly on Wednesday February 11 for software updates. A new 2015A Observing Tool will be available after the update and is recommended for all users. Please check this site for further announcements.

The Observing Tool target name search triggered by the magnifying glass button to the right of the target name entry box is currently offline due to a hardware failure at the CADC. We will release an updated OT in February which points to a new server.

The Gemini observing databases will be offline for several hours on Wednesday December 10 while we perform quarterly software updates. During this time the following services will be unavailable:

• Observing Tool synchronizations, file transfers, and non-sidereal target queries
• CADC program key validation
• Phase I Tool guide star probability queries

The new 2015A Observing Tool should be available on Thursday December 11 and will be required to access the observing databases. Please check this site for further announcements.