The March 5 observing database maintenance is complete and a new Observing Tool (OT 2013A.2.1.1) is available via download or the OT auto-update feature. This is a required updated. Changes are described in the Release Notes.

Gemini is now accepting proposals for observing time in Semester 2013B. The submission deadline varies with partner and ranges from THURSDAY MARCH 28 TO MONDAY APRIL 1 2013. A new version of the Phase I Tool (PIT) has been released to support proposal submissions.

The 2013B Phase I Tool (PIT) has been released. This version must be used to generate and submit any proposal for telescope time in the 2013B semester.

The 2013A PIT should continue to be used for 2013A Director's time and Poor Weather proposals.

The Gemini North hardware maintenance is complete and the Observing Database is back online. Please submit a Help Desk ticket if you have encounter any problems.

The latest commissioning and system verification (SV) run for the Gemini Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS) with the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) ended on Saturday, February 2.  During this run, the team completed six SV programs and made good progress on another three.  In optimal seeing, the first diffraction ring has been visible on point sources, and even in poor seeing, the AO correction is excellent. The next GeMS/GSAOI run is scheduled to start in late February.

Freezing over the weekend caused damage to some of the water lines inside the coating chamber and some associated equipment, so the
Gemini North primary mirror recoating will be delayed until mid-year.  We will have a shorter shutdown now, for work on the acquisition and guiding unit, GMOS-N, and Altair, getting back to science on February 1.  The semester schedule has been updated.

The Gemini South observing database will be offline for several hours (approximately 9am - 1pm Chilean time) on Tuesday January 8 while we perform hardware upgrades. During this time the Observing Tool fetch/store and file transfers will be unavailable and web report forms will be offline. Please check this site for further announcements.