Announcement: Gemini Observatory

6 Enero 2023: The International Gemini Observatory has unveiled a new logo that celebrates the combined legacy of the twin Gemini telescopes and their new capabilities and instrumentation. The redesigned logo retains the classic gold-color concept from its predecessor, while introducing a number of new elements that better reflect the true international nature of the observatory and its full-sky capabilities. Most noticeable is the new logo’s split design, which represents the two telescopes that make up the International Gemini Observatory. The two sides of the logo are rendered in slightly different shades of gold to exemplify their location in different time zones and hemispheres. The left half of the logo, which represents Gemini South, also references the cross-shaped asterism commonly known as the Southern Cross; the right half is adorned with Polaris, the North Star, representing Gemini North’s location on Hawai‘i. The new logo also shows the telescope with open vents (vents help …

2 Diciembre 2022: The International Astronomical Union, NSF’s NOIRLab, and the SKA Observatory unite to express their concern about the recently launched prototype BlueWalker 3 satellite’s impact on astronomy. New measurements reveal that this low Earth orbiting satellite is now one of the brightest objects in the night sky, outshining all but the brightest stars. In addition, the satellite’s use of terrestrial radio frequencies poses a new challenge to radio astronomy. On 10 September 2022 AST SpaceMobile launched a prototype satellite called BlueWalker 3, which is operating under an experimental license, into low Earth orbit. This satellite, which has a 64-square-meter (693-square-foot) antenna system (the largest commercial antenna system ever deployed into low Earth orbit), is the first of what is expected to be more than a hundred similar or even larger satellites. New measurements by observers worldwide, coordinated by the International Astronomical Union’s CPS (IAU Center for the Protection of the Dark …

11 Noviembre 2022: With the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions earlier this year, the Gemini/NOIRLab flagship STEM education program in Chile, Viaje al Universo, returns to classrooms 14–18 November 2022 as a hybrid event featuring three face-to-face and two virtual sessions. Over the course of five days, representatives from NOIRLab and AURA in Chile will visit the German School, the Gabriela Mistral High School, and the Altovalsol Intercultural School to conduct various fun and engaging learning activities with students. These activities will share the exciting discoveries made by the telescopes that NOIRLab and AURA operate on Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachón in Chile, Kitt Peak in Arizona, and Maunakea in Hawai‘i. This year, Viaje al Universo will be led by scientists who work at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, International Gemini Observatory, and SOAR as well as the under-construction Vera C. Rubin Observatory. The program will also collaborate with scientists from the Department of …

8 Noviembre 2022: Together with the other Maunakea Observatories (MKOs), the International Gemini Observatory, operated by NSF's NOIRLab, celebrated AstroDay Kona with families and friends of all ages on Saturday, 5 November 2022. A free event held outdoors at the Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua-Kona, AstroDay Kona provided an estimated 1000 visitors with the opportunity to learn about the Universe that inspires astronomy research as well as the spectacular discoveries made by the telescopes on Maunakea. Like the Annual AstroDay in Hilo each May, this event is led by the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy. Observatory staff joined the community with special activities, informative exhibitions, and free AstroKits. These activity kits are composed of beautifully captured astronomical images of Jupiter and Saturn along with descriptive Hawaiian-cultural astronomy handouts, which included information on the Hawaiian moon phases and the star line most prominent this month, Ka Lupe O Kawelo. Visitors to the …

1 Noviembre 2022: Final update: 7 June 2023 Gemini North returned to night-time operations on 2 June; Its first science observations after the repairs were of the galaxy Messier 101 and the recent supernova within it: SN 2023ixf. In this initial period we expect to carry out a mix of engineering tune-up and science observing as the weather conditions permit. Principal Investigators of Target of Opportunity (ToO) programs should note that we will start accepting ToOs only once the engineering and instrument checkout is complete. Gemini/NOIRLab thanks the mirror repair team, Safran–Reosc, the independent review board, and all the staff involved in this challenging exercise. Update 31 May 2023 The Gemini North telescope has now been reassembled. The mirror cell has been installed in the telescope, and the mirror support systems have been successfully powered up and tested. The new lateral-actuator pad is performing as expected. On-sky engineering tests are scheduled to begin …

26 Octubre 2022: Update 30 October 2022: The event has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a future date. On 4 November 2022 ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, with support from the International Gemini Observatory, operated by NSF's NOIRLab, will present Beyond Me: A Journey with Music and Sounds through Space, Art, and Technology, an evening of sound and music based on the motions of planets orbiting alien suns as observed by NASA’s planet-finding Kepler space telescope. Imagine being able to listen to a soundscape based on the light received from these planets in the form of a sophisticated musical score? NASA scientist and science lead of the Kepler mission Steve B. Howell, famed composer Henri Scars Struck, and branding strategist and producer Grace Palmer from The Other Side Of The Brain, proudly present Beyond Me: A Journey with Music and Sounds through Space, Art, and Technology, a specially crafted event that brings the …

25 Octubre 2022: For many astronomy enthusiasts, few things instill as much excitement as visiting one of the world-class telescopes and research centers that are part of NSF’s NOIRLab. From the remote and rugged mountains of Chile to the towering slopes of Maunakea, from the rocky terrain of Kitt Peak to NOIRLab Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, NOIRLab facilities cross continents and hemispheres to bring the wonder of the Universe to people here on Earth. Getting to these remote locations, however, can be difficult even for the most adventurous travelers. That is why NOIRLab is now bringing the excitement to you! NOIRLab is proud to announce the launch of its comprehensive virtual tours, which give special behind-the-scenes access to the science we do and the diverse community that makes astronomy research possible. The entire suite consists of seven different locations, each featuring panoramic images from various areas near the summit and base facilities of …

21 Octubre 2022: Alejandra Voigt has been appointed the Head of Mission for AURA Observatory in Chile (AURA-O), which represents AURA in that country, and Vice President of AURA. Voigt comes to AURA from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), where since 2014, as ALMA’s Executive Officer, she has been part of this amazing facility’s transformational impact on global astronomy. In her role, she supported the full transition from construction to operations, building and optimizing processes and policies, including observatory signature strategies, such as diversity and inclusion, and sustainability, as well as the long-term public outreach vision. Before joining ALMA, Voigt was the deputy head of the Legal and Legislative Division of the Secretary General of the Presidency, advising the Chilean President and his Cabinet in their legal and legislative functions, including relevant international matters. Previously, she was the Head of the Legal Research Service in the National Congress, conducting comparative legal research …

11 Octubre 2022: The International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS), which is co-hosted by NSF’s NOIRLab and SKA Observatory, is supporting a photography exhibition that explores the challenges of space sustainability, including the impact of mega-satellite constellations on astronomy and the human experience of the night sky. The International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS) is supporting a photography exhibition that demonstrates the vulnerability of near-space and the urgent need for its sustainable use. Called Our Fragile Space, the collection of artistic photography, reportage, and portraiture opened in London on 6 October 2022 to coincide with the United Nations’ World Space Week. International photographer and science communicator Max Alexander created the series. “Through beautiful images and compelling stories, this exhibition expertly captures the current challenge of space sustainability,” said …

5 Octubre 2022: NSF’s NOIRLab is pleased to announce that Stuartt Corder will become the new Deputy Director of NOIRLab and AURA Mission Scientist in Chile, effective 7 November. Corder has more than 15 years of experience with world-class astronomical facilities, including senior leadership roles with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observatory in Chile and NSF’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. As NOIRLab’s Deputy Director and AURA Mission Scientist, Corder will represent the NOIRLab Director’s office in Chile and will be the primary interface with the Chilean astronomical community and the other international observatories. He also will be intimately involved in the daily operations and management of NOIRLab and will participate in strategic planning and interactions with the scientific community. “I am thrilled to begin working with my international colleagues in this new and exciting role, with an eye toward optimizing and synergizing across the facilities in ways …

29 Agosto 2022: Update 5 April 2023 We are closing this announcement and will update on COVID-19 issues as they arise. While the road to Kitt Peak is still closed, we are gradually reopening the exclusive Overnight Telescope Observing Program starting Saturday, 15 April 2023. This custom program gives you the full observatory experience and makes up to 4 guests visiting astronomers at Kitt Peak. Book your tickets on Eventbrite. Update 14 December 2022 Public visits to the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile have been restarted. Update 29 August 2022 During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, many staff at NSF's NOIRLab have been working from home, as their job functions allow. This arrangement has helped protect the safety and health of staff as well as keep our science operations running. Now a plan for the return to partial on-site working has been developed that establishes NOIRLab's ‘new normal’ working arrangements …

16 Agosto 2022: The Universe awaits! From the outskirts of our own Solar System to infant stars and galaxies at the other end of the observable Universe, astronomers are uncovering previously hidden wonders. Making this new era of exploration possible are the state-of-the-art nighttime optical observatories funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF), which are brought together for the first time in one unified organization, NSF’s NOIRLab. To help astronomers, educators, and the public share in this journey of discovery, NOIRLab has released a series of informative and engaging brochures and handouts — in English and Spanish — that are brimming with stunning images of advanced telescopes and the distant objects they observe. These exciting products are available to download from the NOIRLab website and hard copies are available upon request for use in schools, science festivals, and other astronomy-themed outreach activities. Leading the way is NOIRLab’s flagship booklet titled Discovering Our …

30 Junio 2022: The International Gemini Observatory, a program of the National Science Foundation's (NSF’s) NOIRLab, which operates the Gemini North telescope on Maunakea, and its management agency the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), wish to acknowledge the Hawai‘i State Legislature for their hard work and diligence in shepherding through House Bill 2024 CD1 which will become law in the next several days. This legislation establishes a new Authority to manage the summit and surrounding areas on Maunakea. Responsible management of the environmental and cultural resources of Maunakea, as well as the meaningful involvement of the Hawaiian community, is of critical importance and we stand committed to working with the new Authority. To support the ongoing and future conversations about the Maunakea management structure, a set of principles for the future management of astronomical facilities were endorsed by the AURA Board in April 2022 and can be found here. Additionally, …

16 Junio 2022: The third (June 2022) edition of the NOIRLab Mirror newsletter is now available. This twice-yearly newsletter focuses on news for the NOIRLab community and showcases the science, technology, and developments across the five NOIRLab Programs: Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), Gemini Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), and Vera C. Rubin Observatory Operations. This issue features articles on recent scientific results and technical developments from the NOIRLab Programs, perspectives on the Astro2020 Decadal Survey, news about new data releases and upcoming instruments, the latest updates from the US Extremely Large Telescope Program and much more. The NOIRLab Mirror is free and notifications of the release of future electronic issues can be requested here. A free subscription for printed copies can also be requested by libraries and researchers here. More information NSF’s NOIRLab(National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory), the US center for ground-based optical-infrared astronomy, operates …

10 Junio 2022: The International Astronomical Union (IAU)’s newest specialist centre, the Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS), is being launched. It is co-hosted by NSF’s NOIRLab and the SKA Observatory (SKAO). Essentially a coordination centre, the CPS will oversee contributions from staff members across its two locations: NOIRLab’s Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and the SKAO’s headquarters at Jodrell Bank, UK. The Centre is headed by former IAU General Secretary, Piero Benvenuti of the University of Padova, with Connie Walker from NOIRLab and the SKAO’s Federico Di Vruno serving as co-directors. The CPS aims to mitigate the negative impact of satellite constellations on professional ground-based optical and radio astronomy observations as well as humanity’s appreciation of the night sky. The SKAO will focus on radio interference while visible light and infrared interference will fall under NOIRLab. Although ground-based observations have been impacted by …

20 Mayo 2022: Led each year by the University of Hawai‘i’s Institute for Astronomy, AstroDay is one of the most well-attended astronomy outreach events in Hawai‘i. For the first time since the pandemic, AstroDay Hawai‘i took place in person on Saturday 14 May 2022 in the Prince Kuhio Plaza shopping center in Hilo. All of the Maunakea observatories, including the International Gemini Observatory, a Program of NSF's NOIRLab, participate in AstroDay, when staff amaze, educate, and inform visitors about astronomy in Hawai‘i. Many other science, education, and community organizations also participated in the festivities to create a well-rounded and exciting day of celebrating science and technology. The annual AstroDay program in Hilo is emerging from the pandemic with a more traditional level of engagement. For the past two years, owing to the pandemic, AstroDay pivoted to a scaled-back, virtual/hybrid event. While this year’s program included significant COVID safety protocols and precautions, with masks …

29 Abril 2022: Every year, with the exception of the past two years because of the pandemic, the Big Island community celebrates the tradition of hula in Hawai‘i with the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Hula halau (Hula schools) come from all over Hawai‘i and the world to Hilo to compete in what is the world’s most prestigious and largest hula competition. As part of the week-long festivities, the Merrie Monarch parade attracts participants from near and far to share aloha and the spirit and beauty of hula. As in past years, the international Gemini Observatory, a Program of NSF's NOIRLab, participates in the parade with the Maunakea Observatories (MKOs). Staff decorate a float and walk with it during the 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) parade through downtown Hilo, handing out astronomy-themed candies for keiki (children). This year’s parade was held on Saturday 23 April 2022 and attracted over 60 MKO staff and families who walked …

19 Abril 2022: The Solar System, the Moon and its features, the stars, the constellations, the properties of light, and the preservation of dark skies will be some of the topics featured in the Scholar Astronomy Program, part of NOIRLab's Star Educators program. The program will engage more than 80 teachers from Vicuña, Paihuano, Montepatria, and La Serena in Chile, on topics related to basic astronomy and the science of NOIRLab facilities to complement and reinforce subjects included in the Chilean science curriculum. The program is a joint endeavor of NSF's NOIRLab and AURA in Chile. In a series of virtual sessions that began on 7 April 2022 and comprises 23 hours of training over 7 months, teachers will obtain first-hand information about basic astronomy, as well as the main features of astronomical observatories in the Region of Coquimbo, and general concepts about NOIRLab’s astronomical technologies. Educators will also have the opportunity to …

29 Marzo 2022: María Angélica López Ulloa from Santiago, Chile, has won the 2021 AURA-Padre Picetti Award, an annual initiative started in 2014 by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) that seeks to recognize the work of exceptional teachers in Chile who help encourage new generations of scientists. The award was presented on 25 March 2022 in a virtual ceremony broadcast to the public on YouTube by NSF’s NOIRLab, which is managed by AURA. The ceremony was held as part of NOIRLab’s AstroDay Chile events and the celebration of Astronomy Day in Chile, which engaged more than 1500 participants in virtual and hybrid activities hosted by NOIRLab in Chile over three days. The award ceremony was also attended by the rector of the José Miguel Carrera National Institute, Manuel Ogalde Arenas, the head of the physics department at the Colegio Seminario Conciliar, Juan Holzel, and the interim director of AURA …

22 Marzo 2022: Every year NSF's NOIRLab celebrates the Chilean National Day of Astronomy with our AstroDay Chile outreach program, which in 2022 will offer a series of virtual activities for the whole family. More than 40 professionals from a variety of scientific and tourist observatories and universities in Chile will take part in virtual activities from 23 to 25 March 2022 on NOIRLab's YouTube and Facebook channels. The first day, 23 March, is devoted to tourist observatories in Chile. The day will begin with a panel of operators of tourist observatories who will describe the challenges of working during the pandemic. Later in the day, there will be a session describing the latest discoveries from NOIRLab and how tourist observatories can incorporate these into their programs. The last session on the 23rd features a workshop to help tourist observatories plan public programs for cloudy nights. On Thursday 24 March the public is …