GMOS: CCD Update at
Gemini North
Aircraft Detection for
Laser Guide Star Operations
With new red-sensitive Hamamatsu detectors
installed and commissioned in the Gemini
Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) at Gemini
South, and with the CCDs providing good
science data, it’s now Gemini North’s turn to
have its GMOS upgraded. The new Hamamatsu detectors should arrive at Gemini North in
early 2015. After assembling and testing the
new CCDs in the lab, we’ll be ready to install
them in July 2015, pending operational resources being available. Details and updates
are available here.
Integration of the Transponder-Based Aircraft Detector (TBAD) system at both Gemini North and South (simultaneously) is progressing rapidly and expected to significantly
enhance aircraft tracking during laser runs in
the near future. TBAD is designed to protect
aircraft from accidental illumination by lasers
and enables passive monitoring of Aircraft
Transponders.
October 2014
GHOST
We’re making good progress in the preliminary design stage of the Gemini Highresolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST).
Teams from the Australian Astronomical
Observatory, National Research CouncilHerzberg, Australian National University,
and Gemini have worked cohesively over
the past four months, and we anticipate
completing the preliminary design in another four to five months.
The most significant milestone to date has
been the completion of the optical design
tradeoff study. This process involved defining the overall configuration of the spectrograph. The optical analysis, coupled with
other design factors (detectors, mechanical,
and science considerations) revealed that a
two-arm spectrograph provides equivalent
to better performance than the project’s
initial four-arm design. With that decision
made, our next mid-stage milestone will be
choosing the location within the observatory
for this