fessor of Molecular Astrophysics at Leiden
Observatory and President-elect of the In-
ternational Astronomical Union), and Eu-
ropean Southern Observatory Director Tim
de Zeeuw — visited both LSST and Gemini
South. The images in Figures 17, 18, and 19,
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.
LSST survey. Please send your ideas to Bryan
Miller ([email protected]).
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 prep-
aration, the National Optical Astronomy Ob-
servatory (NOAO) is leading an effort to estab-
lish 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 Maximizing Science in the
Era of LSST, several facilities — including
Gemini, NOAO, Southern Astrophysical Re-
search (SOAR) Telescope, and Las Cumbres
Observatory — are defining a system for ef-
ficient follow-ups of LSST discoveries.
Figure 17.
View of the LSST
telescope enclosure
from where the LSST
coating plant will be
located.
One major contribution from Gemini will
be our new Gen4#3 instrument now in de-
velopment. Called OCTOCAM, this mul-
tichannel imager and spectrograph will
perform the subsecond time-resolution
observations critical to LSST follow-ups.
Gemini will also participate in the develop-
ment of Target and Observation Manage-
ment software systems for rapid follow-up
of LSST events.
Figure 18.
LSST´s neighbor, Gemini-
South, shines in the
distance.
Figure 19.
Staff and visitors
inspect the LSST pier
and enclosure.
Credit: All LSST photos
by René Rutten
We’re also considering helping with the pro-
posal processes, observing modes, and data
reduction and analysis. The Gemini commu-
nity is encouraged to provide input on how
we should use Gemini to complement the
January 2018 / 2017 Year in Review
GeminiFocus
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