GMOS Hot News

Excellent Progress with GMOS Commissioning; Update on System Verification

25 September 2001

The main commissioning period for GMOS on Gemini-North was completed in early September. We are happy to report that the imaging mode, the longslit mode and the MOS mode are all commissioned. A small number of commissioning tasks related to the guiding, the IFU and an additional grating remain to be done. System Verification observations in the imaging, longslit and MOS modes are planned for October and November, together with the remaining commissioning tasks.

After completing the System Verification, we will start on the queue observations. The first queue observations may be carried out in the last half on November. These will be pre-imaging for approved MOS programs in ranking bands 1 and 2, and as time allows other imaging programs in these two ranking bands. Information about how to prepare Phase II programs and the deadlines for submission will be distributed separately.

The commissioning of the IFU was started during the September run with GMOS. We hope to complete the commissioning of the IFU and carry out the IFU SV before the end of the year. The IFU is being offered for the first time during 2002A.

Last update September 25, 2001; Inger Jørgensen