remains to cover a strategically large fraction
of the parameter space spanned by wavelength and spectral/spatial resolution. Niche
instruments, those specialized to address a
more specific science case, are often better and
faster developed within the community. We
recognize that the Gemini telescopes are most
attractive for such tactical instrumentation,
and we intend to encourage the deployment
of visiting instruments on both telescopes.
A recent excellent example is the Differential
Speckle Survey Instrument (DSSI) that visited
the Gemini North telescope in September (see
the article by Steve Howell and others in this
issue). While mounted on Gemini, DSSI produced the sharpest-ever, ground-based images of Pluto and Charon: with 20 milliarcsecond
resolution at a wavelength of 692 nanometers
— outperforming any adaptive optics system
on an 8-meter telescope. Similarly, the team
that developed the Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (TEXES) may visit Gemini
North again at the end of 2013.
Once proven to work reliably, we’ll offer visiting instruments through the regular Call for
Proposals to the entire community. This will
broaden the science capabilities that Gemini
can offer to its users. Teams interested in bringing their own instrument to the telescope are
encouraged to contact us.
Call for Part