Science Operations Announcements

Observing databases offline Dec 9

December 7th, 2021

The Gemini observing databases will be offline for several hours on Thursday, December 9 while we perform software updates.

During this time the following services will be unavailable:

  • Observing Tool synchronizations and file transfers
  • Phase I Tool guide star probability queries
  • Target of Opportunity triggers

The new 2022A Observing Tool will be available after the update and will be required to access the observing databases.

New OT for non-sidereal target support

October 13th, 2021

Gemini will be releasing a new version of the Observing Tool (2021B.1.1.2) on Thursday, October 14, which includes several improvements, most notably support for the updated Horizons non-sidereal target database API.

The Gemini Observing Databases will be offline briefly on Thursday as each site is updated, during which time OT synchronizations and file transfers will be unavailable.

This version of the OT is highly recommended, especially for users with non-sidereal targets, but it is not required.

DRAGONS v3.0 Released!

October 13th, 2021

A new version of DRAGONS has been released.  This version offers improvements and fixes to the imaging support.  New in this version is support for GMOS longslit spectroscopy for quicklook purposes.  This new spectroscopy support is not approved for science quality reduction, but can be use for "quicklook" inspection of new data.   A quicklook reduction is intended to check the overall quality of the data, such as confirming the presence of the target(s) and whether the expected S/N has been achieved.

Gemini North Shutdown Extended

September 17th, 2021

Due to unforeseen issues with the Acquisition and Guiding System the Gemini North engineering shutdown will be extended.
We will update this page as information becomes available.

2021-Oct-04: The issues with the Acquisition and Guiding system have been resolved and on-sky instrument checks have begun!

Gemini North Shutdown Extended due to COVID-19

September 8th, 2021

Due to the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Hawai'i the Gemini North engineering shutdown has been extended through the end of the day on Friday, September 17, and the 2021B telescope schedule has been updated accordingly. The MAROON-X visiting instrument block will start as scheduled on Tuesday, September 21, however, the NIFS installation has been postponed until December.

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