STScI has today announced AstroConda, a distribution of Python and IRAF packages that is intended to replace Ureka, based on Continuum Analytics' Anaconda.

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

A new version of the Gemini IRAF package (v1.13.1) has been released. This version is recommended to anyone processing GMOS-S data but is required to reduce GMOS-S Hamamatsu CCD data obtained after the August 2015 work on the instrument. Updated configuration files and examples are included. Please see the Processing Software page for more information.

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

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.

The GeMS / GSAOI laser run that was planned to take place this week had to be canceled. Unfortunately the laser and the Canopus Real Time Control system were not operational and in spite of intense efforts to resolve these problems in time for the laser window there was just not sufficient time to get the system in an operational state. We will continue to work towards ensuring that the upcoming January GeMS / GSAOI run will be a success.

The Gemini-S telescope is now back into operation following the planned maintenance shutdown.

Main events during this year’s shutdown was the re-coating of the primary mirror, and the investigation into the problems with the GMOS-S CCDs, in particular the intermittent charge spreading that has plagued CCD1. Both these main events, and many other activities were executed successfully and within the planned time.