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Attention Users: Update to the New GMMPS v1.0.4!

The new Gemini Mask Making Preparation Software (GMMPS) is now available, and it supports both Gemini Multi-Object Spectrographs (GMOSs) at Gemini North and Gemini South detector configurations.

Once updated, you will notice more efficient and fully compatible mask designs (older version mask designs may be rejected by Gemini). To find more information on major changes, please visit: http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/instruments/gmos/multiobject-spectroscopy/maskmaking-software

Both GMOS-North and GMOS-South offer the possibility of obtaining spectra of several hundred objects simultaneously in their multi-object spectroscopy (MOS) modes. The GMOS MOS design is based upon precisely fabricating and locating a plate containing many small slits within the spectrograph’s entrance aperture. In a single mask you can typically have 30-60 slits, with a maximum of several hundred slits when narrow-band filters are used. A total of 18 masks can be loaded into either GMOS instrument at any given time. Actual mask production for both telescopes is done with a laser milling machine located in La Serena, Chile.

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March 2015 GeMS Run

Attention Users: GeMS is Back On-sky!

GeMS Laser Propagation

GeMS laser propagation at Gemini South.

Background Information 
(Terminology in italics)
Sodium laser: the laser’s sodium light excites sodium atoms high in the Earth’s atmosphere to produce an artificial guide star used to make adjustments to refine/sharpen the image.
Queue scheduling: Gemini staff (or visiting astronomers) make observations for the Principal Investigators (PIs) who (generally) aren’t present at the observatory when the data is obtained.
Classical run: when the PI, or team members are present at the telescope during observations.
Seeing: astronomers call “seeing” the level of blurring on images due to turbulence in the Earth’s atmosphere.

The Gemini Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS) is on the sky and scheduled to collect data until March 15th at Gemini South. High humidity has plagued the summit lately, and on Wednesday, March 4th, conditions improved allowing the observing run to begin.

The night crew reported excellent conditions and the amount of light returned by the sodium laser (see photo) was good for the season. As a result of the good conditions, the team decided to work on targets in the queue schedule.

In preparation for this run, the team had little spare time over the past week as they performed calibrations, and other checks.

A classical run begins on Friday, March 6th, so Gemini observers have their fingers crossed that the good seeing continues!

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Fast Turnaround Updates

Fast Turnaround

2/20/15

Initial Fast Turnaround Cycle Proceeding Smoothly

The first monthly cycle of the Fast Turnaround program is well underway. Rachel Mason, who led the implementation of the innovative new proposal mode, said she is, “really pleased” with the way it is proceeding. Users submitted 17 valid proposals, corresponding to an over-subscription rate of about 3. Principal Investigators will be notified this week if their program was selected, and the first observations are scheduled for March 9-11. Find out more about the response from our user community, and the current status of the cycle 1 proposals at:

http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/observing-gemini/observing-modes/fast-turnaround/news

 

2/10/15

Fast Turnaround Sprints Ahead!

“The community’s response has been very encouraging” says Gemini astronomer Rachel Mason who oversaw the start of Gemini’s new “Fast Turnaround” proposal mode. The innovative proposal process prompted a total of 19 proposal submissions (for an over-subscription rate of just over 3) in its first monthly round. All proposers are currently reviewing other Principal Investigators’ proposals in a scheme that will see observations beginning one month from now.

 

1/30/15

Fast Turnaround Proposals are Due!

The first call for Proposals (CfP) for the Fast Turnaround observing mode are due tomorrow (Saturday, January 31) at 23:59 HST. Be among the first astronomers in our community to participate in this unique observing mode!

Read all about this in 2014 Year in Review issue of GeminiFocus! http://bit.ly/1z7ImvI

 

1/23/15

Fast Turnaround Proposals Due in One Week

The first call for Proposals (CfP) for the new Fast Turnaround (FT) observing mode was issued on January 2, 2015. The intent of the FT scheme – which is initially being run as a pilot at Gemini North only – is to greatly shorten the time between having an idea and acquiring the supporting data.

The deadline for this first CfP is January 31st at 23:59 Hawaii Standard Time and the first observations are scheduled for March 9-11.

For more information please write to fast.turnaround@gemini.edu

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Kamehameha School Students “Shadow” at Gemini

Kamehameha School Students "Shadow" Chas Cavedoni

Chas Cavedoni shows three of the Kamehameha School shadows architectural drawings of Gemini.

Kamehameha School Students “Shadow” two Gemini staff members

Shadowing is an excellent way for students to experience a day-in-the-life of someone who is doing their dream job. Recently 5 students from Kamehameha Schools Big Island campus participated in this experience in the areas of mechanical engineering and software design. Gemini engineer Chas Cavedoni and software engineer Mathew Rippa shared their work with the students (see photos), and as Chas commented “hopefully we point the kids along their preferred path.”  The participating students are juniors in the school’s Engineering or Construction and Design Pathways.

The shadowing involved a one time visit for 3-4 hours and a 30-minute presentation by participating staff. Followup visits and possible internships are encouraged so that, according to Rippa, “…some of these students will come back someday, and work with us professionally!”

Kamehameha School Students "Shadow" Matt Rippa in the M2 Lab

Mathew Rippa explains the mechanics behind the M2 (secondary mirror mount).

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A Rare Day in Hilo!

Anyone who lives in Hilo knows that the town gets a “bum-rap” for its wet weather (ok, there are some exceptions!) While nice weather does abound on Hawaii’s eastern front, today’s sky is a rare sight indeed. Early this afternoon not a single cloud could be spotted in Hilo’s sky, as illustrated by this “fisheye” view from the front of the Gemini Observatory headquarters. Gemini’s Joy Pollard took the shot using a 180-degree fisheye lens at about 1:20pm HST.

A VERY clear day in Hilo

A VERY clear day in Hilo

Click on image for larger version.

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Gemini's mission is to advance our knowledge of the Universe by providing the international Gemini Community with forefront access to the entire sky.

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