by Bernadette Rodgers (with a contribution by Jorge Meléndez)
Why Visit Gemini?
Queue-based observing is the norm at Gemini, so if you’re a Gemini user it may
seem unnecessary to be on-site. Observatory staff not only take your data in queue
but also in the observing conditions required. All you need to do is download the
files directly from the Gemini Science Archive when your “You’ve got data!” e-mail
arrives. So why visit Gemini?
William Blair (Johns
Hopkins University)
during a visit to
the Gemini South
telescope for a
classical observing
run. See his article
(with Frank Winkler,
Middlebury College)
in this issue to learn
about this team’s
observations and
discoveries.
While it’s true that you don’t have to come to Chile or Hawai‘i to get your Gemini data, here are
five good reasons to consider a trip:
1. Participation (it’s your data!): While we cannot guarantee taking your queue data in your
presence, we will do our best to schedule some (or all) of your band 1 or 2 observations during your visit. If we do, you can choose to monitor the process from either the summit or the
base facility and watch in real-time as the data come in. You can then provide valuable feedback to the observer and, if necessary, make small adjustments (without impacting nighttime efficiency) — just as you would if you were taking the data yourself. Such participation
gives you an early look at the data and a better sense of the conditions and circumstances
under which they were taken. All of this can help ensure you get the highest quality data
during the observing run.
2. Improve your queue observing skills: During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with the observer(s), contact scientists, and other resident
Gemini experts, and discuss your program. You’ll also see how the queue gets
planned and executed, how the Observing Tool is used at night, and how the
telescope and instrument(s) take your data. If you are not familiar with Gemini,
these learn