improve or adjust the new systems, if needed, to suit nighttime operations even before
BFO is fully deployed.
The Transponder-Based Aircraft Detection
(TBAD) system work package, which will
eliminate the need for manually spotting
aircraft during laser runs, is almost finished.
We expect to have our first laser run relying
on TBAD in June (see Figure 1).
GMOS CCD Updates — North
and South Generation Laser
Hamamatsu has completed the new CCDs
for the Gemini North Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS-N). The first detector arrived in
Hilo in February and we are testing its performance. If the tests are successful, we will
be authorizing Hamamatsu to send the remaining CCDs shortly thereafter. This first set
of tests is necessary to verify performance
because Hamamatsu could not guarantee or
test all the specifications we require to ensure a successful upgrade.
A possible solution to the saturation issue
seen in the GMOS-South (GMOS-S) CCD installation is now being tested both in the lab
and at Gemini South; it involves using a new
version of the Astronomical Research Camera video board used in the GMOS-S installation. Once proved for GMOS-S, we will then
deploy the fix for the GMOS-N installation.
Because of the CCD testing and controller
solution uncertainty, we don’t know exactly
when the GMOS-N CCDs will be installed, but
if everything works as planned from here on
out, w e’re now on track for installation during the third quarter of 2015.
GIFS Project Continues
The Gemini Instrument Feasibility Studies
(GIFS) project continues to make solid progress since the last edition of GeminiFocus.
Gemini received eight highly competitive proposals by the December 15, 2014, deadline.
April 2015
An independent panel of
six experts — including
members from the Gemini Board of Directors, the
Science and Technology
Advisory Committee, and
the Large Synoptic Telescope Survey — were
asked to evaluate the
proposals on behalf of
Gemini Observatory, using the selection criteria
contained within the request for proposals.
An evaluation report was sent to the Gemini
Director for endorsement. The quality of the
proposals was so high that Gemini decided
to allocate additional funds and internal resources to fund and support a fourth study;
only internal resources stopped us from
funding a fifth.
Strictly following clauses in the Request for
Proposals, Gemini contacted the leading
teams to negotiate any contract clauses.
This process is still ongoing at the time of
writing, with an expectation that the process
would be completed during the first week
in April. As soon as this process concludes,
Gemini will publicly announce details of the
funded studies.
Figure 1.
Paul Hirst coordinates
with the ground crew
at Gemini base and
Maunakea facilities
during the TBAD
(Transponder-Based
Aircraft Detection )
overflights of Gemini
North on Saturday
March 28, 2015.
Within two weeks of the contracts being
signed, Gemini and each study team will
hold a kickoff meeting to discuss the requirements of the study and aspects of the
team’s proposal.
The teams will present their works in progress for discussion among the broader community at the Toronto Future and Science of
Gemini meeting, and we encourage potential users to be there to contribute and give
their feedback.
To learn more about GIFS and to see how
you could be involved, contact Stephen
Goodsell at: [email protected].
GeminiFocus
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