Also destined to help our user community is
a change to the network of National Gemini
Offices (NGOs). This change will more efficiently distribute work among the NGOs to
optimally exploit their respective areas of
expertise. In particular, Gemini will now directly support the Phase-II proposal process
for U.S. Principal Investigators. In return, the
U.S. NGO at the National Optical Astronomy
Observatory will focus on improving postobserving support. A step in that direction was recently introduced with the user
backed Gemini Data Reduction User Forum
http://drforum.gemini.edu/ which already
hosts many user-shared resources, and continues to grow.
programs for early GPI science, for a total of
32 observing hours, before regular operations commence in 2014B. GPI promises to
further enhance the already strong exoplanet research ongoing at Gemini.
The Instrumentation Front
(and Beyond)
Finally, supporting our statement of purpose
— “Exploring the Universe, Sharing its Wonders” — Gemini continues to support its outstanding outreach programs. Both Gemini
North and South have already hosted major
events in March. In the north, we are proud to
announce that our flagship community outreach program, Journey through the Universe
(“Journey”) has just celebrated its 10th anniversary in a huge way. The Big Island event
had a record number of classroom visits, and
thousands of public participants enjoyed a
wide-range of educational events. It was a
spectacular success. Our annual AstroDay
Chile program also continues to grow and
lead the way in astronomy outreach in the
south. This year’s event attracted over 2,000
local participants, making it a phenomenal
success as well. Both Journey and AstroDay
formed many new community partnerships
this year and engaged a diverse number of local educational institutions. Congratulations
go out to all involved, and don’t miss our sampling of images from these events starting on
page of 25 of this issue.
2014 promises to present a quantum jump
for Gemini South’s instrumentation. Last
y