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Gemini e-Newscast #70
April 15, 2015
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Early Science Using GPI: Planets Shape a Binary Disk
Details of the disk around the binary system V4046 Sgr indicate the presence of young planets. Valerie Rapson (Rochester Institute of Technology) led the team, which made use of the Gemini Planet Imager’s polarization capabilities during Early Science observations and probe within 7 astronomical units (AU) of the stars. They found a double ring structure and the depletion of dust in the central 14 AU, which they attribute to the formation of a gas giant planet located at a distance of about 4-12 AU. A brief description of the work is on the Gemini website, and the full results are published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
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Left: J-band polarized intensity (P⊥) images. Right: P⊥ scaled by r2, where r is the distance in pixels from the central binary, corrected for projection effects. Both images are shown on a linear scale and oriented north up and east left. The coronagraph is represented by the black filled circles.
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Fast Turnaround Cycle 3
We report good progress observing Fast Turnaround programs, completing four so far, despite some poor winter weather at Gemini North. Gemini received seven proposals at the March Fast Turnaround deadline. We suspect the relatively low number is tied to the regular 2015B semester deadline falling at the same time. We will know more about the continuing community interest with the Cycle 4 submissions, due April 30. Keep up with the Fast Turnaround news, and learn more about the program in general.
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User Software: Java Update
Gemini will move to Java 8 with the next releases of user software, including the Observing Tool in June (for semester 2015B) and the Phase I Tool in September (for 2016A proposals). Java 8 is supported under the following platforms:
- Linux (32- and 64-bit);
- Mac OS X 10.8.3+ (Mountain Lion, Mavericks, and Yosemite);
- Windows Vista, 7, 8, and Server 2008/2012.
Unsupported systems (including Mac OS older than 10.8 or Windows XP) will not be able to run these new Gemini Java applications. See the software blog at http://staff.gemini.edu/scisoft/2015/03/23/java-8 for more information.
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Regular Registration Deadline for Toronto Meeting is April 21
The deadline for regular registration to participate in the Future and Science of Gemini meeting is rapidly approaching. Register by April 21 to save with the regular registration rate. This important meeting of the Gemini community in Toronto, Canada June 14-18, is a great opportunity to share exciting science results and look ahead to our future. The Science Organizing Committee is putting the finishing touches on the program and list of speakers. Look for the full program announcement soon. Abstracts for additional poster contributions will be accepted through May 15. http://www.gemini.edu/fsg15
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April Issue of GeminiFocus Available
The latest quarterly issue of Gemini’s newsletter, GeminiFocus, is available online. This issue highlights recent science results as well as a close-up look at Gemini’s unparalleled adaptive optics capabilities. Users of Gemini should also note a review of the first two cycles on the Fast Turnaround proposal process, as well as operational news and future instrumentation plans. Read more at http://www.gemini.edu/geminifocus
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