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Gemini e-Newscast #60
June 18, 2014
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A Gravitational Wave Source in Hiding
Mukremin Kilic (University of Oklahoma), Warren Brown (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory), and collaborators have recently identified one of the best (and perhaps the most powerful) gravitational wave sources – a binary white dwarf system with a 20-minute period. In this close orbit, the stars are losing angular momentum rapidly to produce gravitational waves, and the pair are predicted to merge on a timescale of less than 9 million years. This work, based on observations from Gemini North and the MMT, is described in a Gemini web feature. A preprint is also available, with the paper to be published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
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Gemini time-resolved spectroscopy of H-beta lines over 45 minutes, clearly showing a 20 minute periodicity.
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Galaxy-wide Outflows Common Among Quasars
Observations using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini South reveal that galaxy-wide, high-velocity outflows are extremely common among galaxies that host luminous quasars. These outflows may represent a crucial stage in a galaxy’s evolution when the supermassive black hole at its center begins injecting vast amounts of mass and energy into the galaxy. Chris Harrison (Durham University) led this work, which is described briefly in a Gemini web feature, with full results in a preprint and publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
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An example object from the GMOS observations. The background image is from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The cyan rectangle shows the GMOS field of view. The red/yellow contours show the distribution of high-‐velocity ionized gas. The inset shows an example oxygen emission-‐line profile ([O III]5007) that was used to trace the velocity of the gas.
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GMOS-South Back on the Telescope
The Gemini South Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS-S) is back on the telescope with new Hamamatsu CCDs. Work continues on software and daytime tasks, with on-sky commissioning to begin imminently. These new devices provide greater sensitivity and broader coverage at red wavelengths and will be used directly with already-scheduled science programs.
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Discuss Instrumentation and AO Developments at SPIE
Members of Gemini’s Development and Instrumentation teams will be at the upcoming SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation conference in Montreal, Canada. We invite you to join them to discuss Gemini’s future instrumentation plans on Monday, June 23, 2014 at 5:30PM. More information about the event is provided at www.gemini.edu/node/12223. Also, enjoy the other Gemini user and staff scientific and technical talks and presentations during SPIE!
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New Modes for Semester 2014B Programs
Programs for the 2014B semester are now scheduled, to begin in August 2014. This semester marks the first for regular science operations with the Gemini Planet Imager, the initial observations of Large and Long Programs (including some in Priority Visitor Observing mode) and the first full semester using the new, extended-sensitivity, CCDs on GMOS-South. The approved programs are listed in the following links:
Gemini North Queue
Gemini South Queue
Combined Classical
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