We are happy to announce that the Gemini North shutdown to repair the failed dome drive finished earlier than planned and we started the on-sky checks on August 29. General post-shutdown system checks have been completed. Instrument checkouts are also required because of maintenance work done in parallel with the repair. These are being executed as tropical storms and hurricanes permit. Currently only GNIRS is ready for science use.

Gemini is now accepting proposals for observing time in Semester 2017A. The submission deadline varies with participant. A new version of the Phase I Tool (PIT) has been released to support proposal submissions.

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.

In preparation for the start of 2016B, all Director's Discretionary (DD) time and Poor Weather (PW) proposals must use the 2016B Phase I Tool (PIT). See the PIT Version Table for more information and download links.

The 2016B Gemini Observing Tool is now available for download. This update is required to access the Gemini Observing Databases.

The Installation Instructions are linked off of the Observing Tool web page, and we recommend that everyone download their programs from the databases rather than import from saved XMLs.