General Announcements
Design Studies for the Gemini High-resolution Optical Spectrograph
Gemini is pleased to announce the start of the Conceptual Design process for the Gemini High-resolution Optical Spectrograph (GHOS) - a proposed next-generation instrument for Gemini. Three very strong teams are performing the Conceptual Design Studies, which are led by:
Dr. Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics to Speak on the Accelerating Universe
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GPI science campaign
There was great interest in the Gemini Planet Imager campaign science program, with a total of over 6500 hours of time requested. The approved program, led by Bruce Macintosh (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), will conduct a comprehensive survey to yield a robust census of extrasolar giant planets. GPI will also be available for general community use.
Gemini Director Announcement
AURA announced that Doug Simons, Director of the Gemini Observatory, will step down at the end of his term on May 18, 2011. The full announcement is available at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/news/news.asp?newsID=259
Conceptual Design Studies for a Gemini High-Resolution Optical Spectrograph
Gemini Transition Plan Available
Planning for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Gemini partnership at the end of 2012, the Gemini Observatory has worked with the Gemini Board to develop a transition plan for operations and maintenance with a reduced budget in the future. The plan is now available at the AURA website http://www.aura-astronomy.org/news/news.asp?newsID=220 and comments may be contributed through the same site.
White Papers Solicited for High-Resolution Optical Spectroscopy
July 2010
Introduction
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Instrument Support Structure - Gemini South.
June 2010 GeminiFocus - Special 10th Anniversary Issue
The June 2010 issue of GeminiFocus is now available electronically (downloadable as a PDF).
Gemini Data Workshop July 19-22
Gemini Observatory and the US National Optical Astronomy Observatory are organizing a Gemini Data Workshop 19--22 July 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. Registration is free and open to anyone. The workshop will cover the basics of astronomical data reduction, followed by breakout sessions that then focus on specific Gemini instruments or capabilities.