General Announcements
Gen 4#3 SPIE 2016
Gemini Announces the Gen 4#3 Request for Proposal
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.
Gemini Instrument Feasibility Study (GIFS) reports available.
Gemini South Earthquake Update
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 Instrument Feasibility Study
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:
Gemini South resuming operations
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.
Gemini South performing a controlled shutdown
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.
Announcing a bring-your-own data session at the Future & Science of Gemini Observatory
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.
Gemini North Energy Services Projects RFP
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.