|
|
|
|
Gemini e-Newscast #62
August 22, 2014
|
|
Gemini Follows One of the Brightest Volcanoes Ever Seen
Images obtained using the Near-Infrared Imager (NIRI) and adaptive optics at Gemini North show one of the brightest volcanoes ever seen in the Solar System on Jupiter’s moon Io. Katherine de Kleer (University of California Berkeley; UCB) and collaborators followed the evolution of the eruption, monitoring it over nearly two weeks. The sequence of eruptions was unexpectedly detected by team member Imke de Pater (also UCB, using the W.M. Keck Observatory and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility), and Gemini’s flexible scheduling made these observations possible through Director’s Discretionary Time. Three related papers are in press in Icarus (subscription required). More information about the images is available in a press release at the Gemini website and in the UCB press release.
|
|
|
|
Images of Io in the near-infrared with adaptive optics at the Gemini North telescope track the evolution of the eruption as it decreased in intensity over 12 days. Due to Io’s rapid rotation, different areas of the surface are visible on each night. Image credit: Katherine de Kleer/UCB/Gemini Observatory/AURA.
|
|
Large and Long Program Observations Begin
Observations for Large and Long Programs (LLPs) have begun with the 2014B semester. The first observations, obtaining rapid spectroscopy of transients and young supernovae (PI Mansi Kasliwal, Carnegie) have been taken. Another team, which is measuring colors of outer Solar System objects (PI Wes Fraser, NRC Herzberg, Canada), is now at Gemini North. The LLP program has proven to be very popular, with an over-subscription rate of more than 5. Information about approved programs is listed at: http://www.gemini.edu/node/12238. The next opportunity for LLP proposals is scheduled for release in December of this year, for observations to begin in semester 2015B.
|
|
|
|
Examples of galaxy clusters nine billion years ago (add redshift), targets of the Gemini Observations of Galaxies in Rich Early ENvironments (GOGREEN) Survey (PI Michael Balogh, University of Waterloo, Canada). The survey is poised to measure the stellar masses and stellar populations of galaxies in clusters, ultimately accounting for their evolution to present-day galaxies.
|
|
Workshop in Brazil
Brazil’s Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica (LNA) hosted a workshop for users to promote “Scientific Opportunities from New Instruments at Gemini and SOAR”. Gemini staff presented materials and hands-on experiences on GeMS/GSAOI, GPI, and FLAMINGOS-2. Workshop materials are available at the website, including presentations, data for testing, and data reduction scripts.
|
|
|
|
Slides from the training presentations, for GSAOI (Rodrigo Carrasco) and FLAMINGOS-2 (Percy Gomez).
|
|
|
|
Participants at the “Scientific Opportunities from New Instruments at Gemini and SOAR Workshop” described above.
|
|
Block Your Calendar:
The Future and Science of Gemini Meeting – June 14 - 18, 2015
The date for the Future and Science of Gemini meeting in Toronto, Canada, is now confirmed. The meeting is slated to begin with an evening welcome on Sunday, June 14, 2015, and regular meeting sessions to run from Monday, June 15, through Thursday, June 18. As mentioned in the previous e-newscast, a primary objective of this meeting is to focus on consolidating plans for the future of Gemini, consider instrumentation capabilities, and review primary observing modes.
|
|
Gemini South Shutdown Complete
The scheduled Gemini South shutdown has been successfully completed, and science observations have started again. The shutdown allows for regular maintenance of key systems, including the acquisition and guiding unit. Additional preventive work included replacing helium lines for cooling systems, which entailed dismantling the entire Cassegrain cable wrap. All this activity have now prepared the telescope for another year of observing at Gemini South.
|
|
|
|
Claudio Araya, Optical Technician of Gemini South, in performing maintenance tasks inside the Gemini Facility Calibration Unit, during the operations shutdown at Gemini South.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
