GeminiFocus December 2012 | Page 43

Sarah Brough and Committee A Report on the First Meeting of the Users’ Committee for Gemini The newly formed Users’ Committee for Gemini held it first regular meeting in La Serena, Chile, on October 18-19, 2012. The meeting featured the review of an international survey of Gemini users; identifying as a key issue the need for better communication between our users and observatory staff. The recently established Users’ Committee for Gemini (UCG) represents the body of Gemini users, both scientifically and geographically. Its initial members are Mike Gladders (Chair; University of Chicago, USA), Vicky Alonso (Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba, Argentina), Sarah Brough (Australian Astronomical Observatory, Australia), Eduardo Cypriano (Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil), Craig Heinke (University of Alberta, Canada), Armin Rest (Space Telescope Science Institute, USA), Tom Richtler (Universidad de Concepcion, Chile), and Stuart Ryder (ex-officio; Gemini Operations Working Group Chair). The Committee has been tasked with providing advice to Gemini on areas affecting users of the Observatory, excepting the strategic decisions covered by its newly formed Science & Technology Advisory Committee (STAC). On October 18-19, 2012, the eight members (including the author) of the newly formed UCG traveled to La Serena, Chile, for its first formal meeting. We began by visiting the Gemini South telescope and watching the nightly operations. This very valuable exercise allowed us to understand how Gemini’s queue observations work, and the Committee recommends that anyone who has this opportunity take advantage of it (see the June 2012 issue of GeminiFocus, pages 39-40). For anyone who does make the trip, we also note that the view was amazing, the telescope stunning, and the living quarters very comfortable. D