Figure 2.
Histogram of proposal
scores, separated by
reviewers’ self-declared
level of knowledge of
the subject area.
als were largely similar in quality with those
they have assessed elsewhere. For an independent (if subjective) measure of this, the
successful proposals are also being sent to
two (former) members of Gemini TACs.
Seven out of 17 proposals were accepted
during the first cycle. The FT team’s job was
to assess the technical feasibility of the topranked proposals, and then figure out which
ones could be accepted given all the potential conflicts between a target’s right ascension, observing conditions, GMOS gratings,
etc., while sticking as closely as possible to
the peer review rankings. We were relieved
that in the end it was feasible to select the
seven top-ranked proposals.
Also on Trial: Success of
Accepted Programs
Once selected, we need to observe the accepted programs. As one (otherwise positive) first cycle participant commented,
”The verdict is out until we see whether the
queue actually collects most of the data for
the approved Fast Turnaround programs.”
20
GeminiFocus
Indeed, we have to (sadly) report that the
first scheduled FT observing block (March
9-11) is being wiped out, as this is written,
by a blizzard so severe that even the roadclearing crew can’t reach the summit of
Maunakea. FT observations remain valid for
three months, but still ]8