New and Notable Changes in 2020B

The following announcements are notable for the 2020B semester.

ToO Allocation:

  • We generally encourage ToO programs for Gemini. However, given the risk of ToO observation not being triggered in time, we will advise the Korean TAC to limit the allocation of the ToO program no bigger than ~30% of each band. The issue will be revisited later if the Korean community become more confident with ToO programs.
     

Band 3 allocation:

  • In previous semesters, we tend to allocate proposals to band 3 even if the consideration for band 3 is not explictly requested. From this semster, we will be more strict with band 3 allocation. A proposal won't be allocated to band 3, unless the band 3 consideration is explicitly requested and the proposal has a propoerly prepared band 3 observation. 

Minimum Time:

  • In previous semesters, Korean TAC did not strictly respect the minimum time in the proposal, and sometimes we have allocated less time than the minimum time specified by the PI. From this semester, the PI specified minimum time will be respected as strictly as possible. As a proposer, you are advised to consider the minimum time in your proposal more seriously. 

IGRINS:

  • IGRINS will be availble as a visiting instrument in Gemini South. It will stay at Gemini south at least until 2022B.The KASI IGRINS team were awarded a compensatory time of ~47 hours for this semster from Gemini, and a good fraction of this time will be allocated for the IGRINS proposal from the community.

Instrument Availability:

  • Please check the Gemini's own page for update on instrumental availability (here). In particular, we request special attention for Altair and GNIRS users.
  • [UPDATE] GNIRS will be available for regular proposals for the entire 2020B Semester.

Phase I Tool:

  • Please make sure you use Phase I tool (PIT) for 2020B, which will be released by February 28 in Hawaiian time.
Call for Proposal for Gemini / 2020B

Observable Targets

Available Hours

  • 113.6 hours = 58.8 hours (north) + 54.8 (south)
     

Instruments

Check out the availability and restrictions of the instruments for 2020B semester in the following Gemini page : Link

Proposal Submission

Proposers must use Gemini Phase-I Tool PIT. The PIT is a downloadable application that is used to provide "front-page" information including the title, abstract, and contact info for the investigators. Instrument configuration details, target coordinates, and observing constraints are also included in PIT. "Essay" sections are included in a single PDF attachment, which can be prepared using an MS Word or LaTeX template. Detailed help pages and video tutorials are available on the Gemini web site.

Please consider these suggestions and guidelines when preparing your proposal:

  • Please use the template that can be found at the PIT software distribution site (the link will be announced when ready) to prepare the Essay section (please use non-US version of template, GemPhase1.doc or GemPhase1.tex; for the reference, check the previous call for proposal pages).
  • The scientific justification page has one-page limit for the text. Two additional pages can be used for references and figures. For page limits of other part of the essay, please refer to the description in the templates.
  • Be sure to include example Integration Time Calculator (ITC) output -- please see the instructions in the template.
  • When PI is a graduate student, please clarify who is his/her thesis advisor in the scheduling request section within the PIT.

For more details, please refer to Gemini’s page at http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/observing-gemini.

General Information

Observing Mode:

  • Classic mode observation is available but it may require very strong justification.
  • Priority Visitor (PV) Observing mode is mainly dedicated for Large & Long Programs but still available only for Band 1 Queue program if the PIs request. (PV mode)
  • Target of Opportunity (ToO) mode will follow the general rules applied for the Gemini full partners. (click here for more information)However, given the risk of ToO observation not being triggered in time, we will advise the Korean TAC to limit the allocation of the ToO program no bigger than ~30% of each band.

Proposal Routes:
Regular proposal is available as it has been in the previous semester as follow:

  • Joint Proposal : Korean Gemini users can submit Joint Proposal by collaborating with the PIs of other Gemini international partners. (Joint Proposal)
  • Subaru-Gemini exchange Proposal : Korean Gemini users can apply for observing time of the Subaru Telescope through the Time Exchange program. (Exchange Time)
  • Subaru HSC queue filler program Gemini community can also propose Hyper Supreme Cam queue "filler" program. Filler programs are executed in poor observing conditions (typically seeing >1.5 arcseconds, and/or poor transparency), up to 35 hours can be requested by a filler proposal. Execution is not guaranteed: observations are made only when there is no other program in the HSC queue. In recent semesters, typically of order 15% of HSC time has gone to filler programs. Applications may be submitted once per semester, check the following page for the next deadline (Subaru CfP page). Proposals must be sent through the Subaru submission system (NOT Gemini), and are considered only by the Subaru TAC. Note that only a short text summary of the program is required, not a full detailed Science Justification. The HSC queue filler program takes no time exchange cost. (HSC filler programs)
  • Poor weather program is available, and can be submitted at the time of regular Call for Proposal or any time during semester. Poor weather programs will be placed in Band 4, and neither the PI nor partner country will be charged for any time used. (Poor weather programs)
  • Director’s Discretionary Time (DDT) is also available. It’s, in fact, been available for any astronomer worldwide. (DDT)
  • Fast Turnaround (FT) program is available since Feb. 2019. FT runs by monthly-based submission and assessment. The total FT time per partner may not exceed 10% of the total partner’s time for a given semester. (FT)
  • Large and Long program (LLP) is not available as of now. There will be a discussion in the near future how to coordinate LLP for the Korean user community. (LLP)