Observation Management software sys-
tems for rapid follow-up of LSST events.
Figure 4.
LSST´s neighbor,
Gemini-South, shines in
the distance.
Credit: All LSST photos
by René Rutten
taken during their visit, give an impression
of the rapid progress being made with the
LSST construction; but if you want an up-to-
date view of the site, please visit this link.
Planning Continues for LSST
Follow-up Observations
The flood of Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
(LSST) transient follow-up observations is
not expected to begin until 2021 or 2022. In
preparation, the National Optical Astronomy
Observatory (NOAO) is leading an effort to
establish a network of follow-up facilities,
and we are working with them to ensure
that Gemini is not only well-integrated into
this network but can perform the necessary
observations. Continuing the momentum
from last year’s workshop, titled Maximiz-
ing Science in the Era of LSST, several facili-
ties — including Gemini, NOAO, Southern
Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope,
and Las Cumbres Observatory — are defin-
ing a system for efficient follow-ups of LSST
discoveries.
One major contribution from Gemini will be
our new Gen4#3 instrument now in devel-
opment (see article starting on page 15 of
this issue). Called OCTOCAM this multichan-
nel imager and spectrograph will perform
the subsecond time-resolution observations
critical to LSST follow-ups. Gemini will also
participate in the development of Target and
24
GeminiFocus
We’re also considering helping with the
proposal processes, observing modes,
and data reduction and analysis. The
Gemini community is encouraged to
provide input on how we should use
Gemini to complement the LSST survey.
Please send your ideas to Bryan Miller
([email protected]), and consider par-
ticipating in the May 2017 workshop on
Building the Infrastructure for Time-Do-
main Alert Science in the LSST Era.
TEXES Returns to Gemini North
TEXES, the visiting high-resolution mid-
infrared spectrograph, returned to Gemini
North in March 2017. This run supported
a wide-ranging set of community science
programs, including the following: