The Gemini South observing database and related services (e.g. image and guide star searches) are currently offline due to a network equipment failure in La Serena. Repair work is ongoing and service will be restored as soon as possible.
Update: The network connection was restored at around 13:00 local time.
Engineering work on the new Gemini North Laser Guide Star system is taking longer than anticipated and it is not yet clear whether commissioning will take place in Semester 2018B. Therefore, LGS programs have not been included in the 2018B queue and National TACs looked for opportunities to convert LGS+P1 programs to IQ20+P2. If the laser is commissioned within 2018B it will be offered via Fast-Turnaround.
The Gemini 2018B observing programs have now been announced. Notification emails to successful PIs were sent today, June 15 2018. Please check the schedules page for more information. Note that the new Observing Tool must be used to access and update 18B programs.
GS telescope will be open tonight. Snow and ice removal from the dome continued today, with the help of improving weather conditions. GMOS-S is the only available instrument in the queue for now, GPI and F2 recovery is ongoing.
The GS Observing Database is available today after the generator power was restored yesterday afternoon (commercial power is still down). The recovery of the rest of the systems is ongoing. Parts of the dome are still covered with large amounts of ice and it is expected that it will take a few days to be cleared.
Due to a general power outage affecting Cerro Pachon last night, all equipments on CPO are out of service, including the datacenter. Due to this the ODB is not available until further notice.
Engineering staff are working with NOAO operations to gain access to the summit and restore power as soon as possible.
Due to recent internet connectivity issues impacting Gemini external webservers, we have extended the Fast Turnaround proposal deadline this month to June 2 23:59 Hawaiian Standard Time
Gemini is currently experiencing internet connectivity issues. For external parties, side effects of this networking issue have been the inability to connect with various Gemini web-based services including our public website and web services. We continue to investigate and troubleshoot the issue.
The Gemini observing databases will be offline for several hours on Wednesday May 30 while we perform software updates.
During this time the following services will be unavailable:
The new 2018B Observing Tool should be available on Thursday May 31 and will be required to access the observing databases.
Please check this site for further announcements.
A brief update on the status of Gemini North after Friday's earthquakes. The telescope, instruments, and enclosure were carefully inspected by the day-crew who were at the summit when both earthquakes hit. As of today, all systems have checked out with no reported damage, and we successfully opened and observed on-sky Friday night and over the weekend from the Hilo Base Facility. We continue to closely monitor the on-going Kilauea volcanic activity and seismic tremors.