Gemini North infrared image of Saturn and Titan (at about 6 o'clock position). Image obtained on May 7, 2009 (5:31 UTC) using the Altair adaptive optics system with the Near-infrared imager (NIRI). At the perimeter of Saturn's ring the F-ring is faintly visible. The F-ring was discovered in images from the Pioneer 11 spacecraft in 1979 and is normally not apparent in images taken with ground-based telescopes. Also apparent are several of Saturn's smaller moons.
This Gemini North image shows the well-known planetary nebula NGC 7009 (the Saturn Nebula) in the near infrared with adaptive optics. The image has a full-width-half-maximum of 0.1 arcsecond (K band) and was produced by combining ALTAIR/NIRI images in K, Br-gamma, and H₂ (1-0) bands. The data were obtained in October, 2006 and are now available on the Gemini Science Archive.
Gemini's Laser Vision Reveals Striking New Details in Orion Nebula This composite image at infrared wavelengths was obtained using the Gemini North laser guide star system in conjunction with the ALTAIR adaptive optics system and the NIRI near-infrared imager. The image shows the Orion "bullets" as blue features and represents the light emitted by hot iron (Fe) gas. The light from the wakes, shown in orange, is from excited hydrogen gas. See Image Release for details
The beautiful star-filled Mauna Kea sky with the moon seen through the vent gates. The primary mirror (M1) reflects the interior of the dome. High resolution (up to 4k x 4k) time-lapse frames are available from Gemini Observatory for use in planetarium programs. For details please contact: Peter Michaud.
In this fisheye image, Gemini North is visible in moon light as it uses the Laser Guide Star system.
High resolution (up to 4k x 4k) time-lapse frames are available from Gemini Observatory for use in planetarium programs. For details please contact: Kirk Pu'uohau-Pummill Full Resolution TIF (31.7 MB) Medium Resolution JPG (224 KB) Gemini Observatory Image/Video Usage Policy
Color composite adaptive optics image of the planetary nebula M2-9 using the ALTAIR adaptive optics system on Gemini North. This image reveals remarkable details in the dynamic gas outflows from a dying star. It is thought that our Sun might meet a similar fate in 4-5 billion years once its hydrogen nuclear fuel becomes scarce and instabilities expel gas into space. The concentric shells of gas are still a mystery to astronomers and these data will help to understand the complexities surrounding this beautiful object.
This image shows the Gemini North Telescope on the evening of April 19th, 2005 during evening twilight. Featured on the foreground of the telescope is the laser guide star (LGS) clean-room (blue box with white door). The Gemini solid-state sodium laser is located in this box and shines up through a network of tubes and relay optics (also visible) where the beam is "launched" by optics located behind the secondary mirror.
