GeminiFocus April 2013 | Page 16

For example, in 2012A Gemini North alone serviced 743 ToO triggers! It was good to see that the triggers through the semester, on both telescopes, became more evenly distributed through the semesters, rather than large numbers being triggered near the end (when we have little chance of executing them all). We’re grateful to PIs for keeping on top of their ToO programs in this way. Every semester, the Gemini Board places two limits on the amount of science time to be delivered: (1) the minimum requirement; and (2) a goal to be met if possible (science time is everything that is left after removing engineering and commissioning time). In 2012, both telescopes exceeded the requested minimum science time. Gemini North delivered science time close to or in excess of the Board’s goals in both semesters, and in 2012B Gemini South comfortably exceeded it, albeit with the unwelcome assistance of cancelled instrument commissioning time being returned to the queue. Weather losses on Cerro Pachón were significantly lower for the year than on Mauna Kea. The year 2012 was eventful for Gemini Operations. With the new facility instrumentation operational at Gemini South (and GPI delivering to the telescope in mid-year), visiting instruments at Gemini North, and the bedding in of eavesdropping and the ramp-up of work on base-facility operations, both the Observatory and its users have a lot to look forward to in 2013. Andy Adamson is Gemini’s Associate Director of Operations and can be contacted at: [email protected] Contributing authors from Gemini’s staff: Sandy Leggett, Chris Yamasaki, Inger Jørgensen, Bernadette Rodgers, Rodrigo Carrasco, and Benoit Neichel 16 GeminiFocus April2013