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.
Science Operations Announcements
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.
GS observing database offline Jan. 26 during UPS maintenance
January 20th, 2017
The Gemini South observing database will be offline for most of the day on Thursday, January 26, during continued maintenance to the Uninterruptible Power Supplies on Cerro Pachon. 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.
Feedback requested on new proposal/observation tools
January 18th, 2017
Gemini is starting a project to significantly reimagine our proposal and observation preparation tools and we invite feedback from the community.
If you can participate in an approximately 30 minute interview about your use of the current tools, then please sign up at
https://goo.gl/CAiSvw
You may also fill out the following short (5-10 minute) questionnaire before January 31, 2017.
https://goo.gl/oAExk9
Gemini North January NIFS and laser access cancelled
January 12th, 2017
The repair of the Gemini North laser system is proceeding but insufficient progress has been made to offer the laser this month. Because all but one NIFS program requires the laser, this also means we will not be doing the NIFS/NIRI swap this month, as previously planned. NIRI will remain on the telescope and NIFS will not be available. We remain optimistic that we will be on-line for the planned February NIFS+LGS run. Updates will be posted.
Delay to Gemini North NIFS Laser Run
January 5th, 2017
The Gemini North laser system has developed a hardware fault. We are working on a repair which is proceeding quite well but the final prognosis is still not known. January's NIFS+LGS run is delayed and shortened, and may even have to be cancelled. We are optimistic that we will be on-line for the planned February NIFS+LGS run. Updates will be posted.
New Phase II deadline for Gemini-South programs
January 5th, 2017
Due to problems with access to the Gemini-South Observing Database the deadline for competion of Phase II for Gemini-S programs for semester 2017A has been extended to January 20th, 2017.
2017A Programs and Schedule Announced
December 15th, 2016
The Gemini 2017A observing programs have now been announced. Notification emails to successful PIs were sent today, December 15 2016. Please check the schedules page for more information. Note that the new Observing Tool must be used to access and update 17A programs.