Gemini staff contributions
On the Horizon
This review highlights instrumentation development efforts
made in 2018 to advance the Observatory’s capabilities to do
leading science, especially in the era of multi-messenger and
time-domain astronomy.
JANUARY 2019
GEMMA: Leading in the Era of Multi-Messenger
and Time-Domain Astronomy
With the recent announcement of the National Science Foundation (NSF) award, Gemini
in the Era of Multi-Messenger Astronomy (GEMMA), work is ramping up to produce the
exciting deliverables promised over the next five years. GEMMA updates will be a regular
feature in this column for the duration of the program.
The goals of GEMMA are broad and encompass diverse capabilities for Gemini – from in-
strumentation, real time software and data reduction pipelines, to public communications.
The primary instrumentation capability envisioned with GEMMA is a new state-of-the-art
multi-conjugate adaptive optics system for Gemini North called GNAO. Additional details
on the GEMMA program can be found in this issue’s Director’s Message starting on page 1
of this issue.
Among the first exciting activities in 2019 is a Communications Summit in Multi-Messenger
and Time-Domain Astronomy (MMA/TDA). Planning is now underway to identify and in-
vite science communication specialists and scientists working in MMA/TDA to the summit
January 2019 / 2018 Year in Review
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