2017A Phase I Tool released
August 31st, 2016
The 2017A Phase I Tool (PIT) has been released in support of the 2017A call for proposals.
Science Operations Announcements
Gemini South observing database offline until August 22
August 19th, 2016
The Gemini data center on Cerro Pachon will be powered down for maintenance on Saturday, August 20, as part of the ongoing Gemini South engineering shutdown. Therefore, the Gemini South observing database will be offline from the end of the day on Friday, August 19 until the morning on Monday, August 22. Program sync, file attachment upload, guide star queries, ITC calculations, and image downloads will be affected. Many of these services, but not access to GS programs, will still be available from Gemini North.
Gemini North Shutdown Aug 10-31 to repair bottom shutter
August 3rd, 2016
The Gemini North enclosure bottom shutter experienced a drive shaft bearing failure in one of the two driveboxes during the night of July 27, similar to what happened to the Gemini North enclosure top shutter in 2014. The next day, the day crew locked out the bottom shutter at a position that has limited the telescope lower elevation to 38 degrees above horizon, while we continue to observe at night.
Observing databases offline July 26
July 25th, 2016
The Gemini observing databases will be offline for several hours on Tuesday July 26 while we perform software updates.
The latest version of the 2016B Observing Tool (2016B.2.1.1) will be required to access the observing databases after the update. Please synchronize any outgoing changes before the update, as the old OT will not be able to communicate with the new databases.
Special proposals require 2016B PIT
June 30th, 2016
In preparation for the start of 2016B, all Director's Discretionary (DD) time and Poor Weather (PW) proposals must use the 2016B Phase I Tool (PIT). See the PIT Version Table for more information and download links.
2016B Programs and Schedule Announced
June 17th, 2016
The Gemini 2016B observing programs have now been announced. Notification emails to successful PIs were sent today, June 17 2016. Please check the schedules page for more information. Note that the new Observing Tool must be used to access and update 16B programs.
2016B OT Released
June 6th, 2016
The 2016B Gemini Observing Tool is now available for download. This update is required to access the Gemini Observing Databases.
The Installation Instructions are linked off of the Observing Tool web page, and we recommend that everyone download their programs from the databases rather than import from saved XMLs.
Observing databases offline June 2
June 2nd, 2016
Update 2016 June 6 @ 14:00 HST:
The Gemini North update is complete.
Update 2016 June 6 @ 8:00 HST:
The Gemini North update is in progress...
Update 2016 Jun 3:
The Gemini South update is complete.
Gemini to support AstroConda in place of Ureka later this year
April 29th, 2016
STScI has today announced AstroConda, a distribution of Python and IRAF packages that is intended to replace Ureka, based on Continuum Analytics' Anaconda.
Gemini South observing database offline briefly March 12
March 10th, 2016
The Gemini South observing database will be unavailable between 10:00am and 12:00pm on Saturday, March 12, 2016 due to network hardware maintenance. During this period program syncs, auxiliary file transfers, image downloads, ITC calculations, and guide star searches with the Observing Tool will not be available from Gemini South. The Gemini North database and services will not be affected.