Classical Mode Observations

In classical scheduling, specific nights on the telescope are assigned to specific proposals. Time is scheduled in whole multiples of nights; one night is the minimum classical time that may be requested. Individual partner countries may run mini-service observing programs that aggregate smaller proposals together. Contact the partner Gemini office for more information.

Specific scheduling restrictions (preferred dates, impossible dates, synchronous observations with another facility) may be requested by investigators as part of the Phase I proposal.

Starting in 2007B, proposals for classical time must specify the minimum acceptable observing conditions and can add an attachment to the Phase I proposal describing a backup program able to take advantage of poorer conditions. See the observing conditions constraints page for further details. During a classical observing run, if conditions are worse than those required by the (main or alternate) classical program, the time may be used for eligible queue observations. In this case, the classical time will not be re-scheduled, but the partner responsible for the classical program is not charged for time spent executing the queue.

Technical support for investigators during Phase I proposals and prior to the awarding of time is provided by the partner National Gemini Offices (NGOs). For successful classical proposals, the detailed definition of observations is undertaken in Phase II of the proposal process using the Observing Tool (OT) just as for Queue observations. The PI will work with the NGO contact scientist to define the observations. The only difference is that the Phase II proposal is not due until three weeks before the classical run begins. Nighttime support by Gemini scientific staff, or the instrument teams in the case of visiting instruments, is available for classically scheduled observing runs.

A minimum of one and a maximum of two visiting astronomers may participate in the observing run, at least one of whom must be present at the summit. Visiting observers must arrive at the Base Facility at least two days in advance of their run to prepare their observations using the preparation tools. Instructions and travel information for visitiors to Gemini North and Gemini South are available.

Even when GMOS spectroscopy is classically scheduled, if GMOS pre-imaging is required to generate the object and mask definition files, this will be done in queue mode. This is because only one laser mask maker, situated off-summit at the Gemini North Hilo Base Facility, is available to support both telescopes.

Last update August 29, 2007; Sandy Leggett