Peter Michaud
Bring One, Get One:
Engaging Gemini’s Users and
Their Students
Thanks to several new and innovative observing modes, Gemini is
transforming the way our users engage with the Observatory. Among
the most significant is the “Bring One, Get One” program which
encourages young astronomers to experience the process of observing,
acquiring data, and working directly with observatory staff.
The DSSI team poses
for a photo at Gemini
North. Johanna Teske
(left), PI Steve Howell
(front), Elliot Horch
(holding computer),
David Ciardi (on
computer screen), and
Mark Everett (right).
A “typical night” at Gemini is an oxymoron. With Gemini’s ever-broadening spectrum of observing modes, visiting instruments, and unique capabilities, nights at Gemini go far beyond
the commonplace. These new capabilities not only bring excitement and challenges to the
workplace, but also opportunities for young astronomers to gain valuable observing experience at Gemini, which is the foundation for a career in astronomy.
Exemplifying this is the “Bring One, Get One” program, which allows young astronomy professionals to accompany Principal Investigators (PIs) visiting Gemini on observing runs. The
program is designed to not only help future users experience the
challenges, rewards, and excitement of real-life observing but also
train them in the techniques and subtleties of observing at a stateof-the-art observatory. The initiative provides funding and general
support for the students; more specifics available here.
Two First-hand Experiences
Two recent participants in the program — Rosemary Pike, a Ph.D.
student from the U niversity of Victoria, British Columbia, and Johanna Teske, a Carnegie Origins Postdoctoral Fellow from the Carnegie Department of Terrestrial Magnetism/Carnegie Observatories
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GeminiFocus
October 2014