Science Operations Announcements

Gemini South observing database offline until August 22

August 19th, 2016
The Gemini data center on Cerro Pachon will be powered down for maintenance on Saturday, August 20, as part of the ongoing Gemini South engineering shutdown. Therefore, the Gemini South observing database will be offline from the end of the day on Friday, August 19 until the morning on Monday, August 22. Program sync, file attachment upload, guide star queries, ITC calculations, and image downloads will be affected. Many of these services, but not access to GS programs, will still be available from Gemini North.

Gemini North Shutdown Aug 10-31 to repair bottom shutter

August 3rd, 2016

The Gemini North enclosure bottom shutter experienced a drive shaft bearing failure in one of the two driveboxes during the night of July 27, similar to what happened to the Gemini North enclosure top shutter in 2014. The next day, the day crew locked out the bottom shutter at a position that has limited the telescope lower elevation to 38 degrees above horizon, while we continue to observe at night.

Observing databases offline July 26

July 25th, 2016

The Gemini observing databases will be offline for several hours on Tuesday July 26 while we perform software updates.

The latest version of the 2016B Observing Tool (2016B.2.1.1) will be required to access the observing databases after the update. Please synchronize any outgoing changes before the update, as the old OT will not be able to communicate with the new databases.

Gemini South observing database offline briefly March 12

March 10th, 2016
The Gemini South observing database will be unavailable between 10:00am and 12:00pm on Saturday, March 12, 2016 due to network hardware maintenance. During this period program syncs, auxiliary file transfers, image downloads, ITC calculations, and guide star searches with the Observing Tool will not be available from Gemini South. The Gemini North database and services will not be affected.

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