Gemini Observatory

Gemini Observatory

Gemini North in Hawaii and Gemini South in Chile
Organization	Gemini Consortium and AURA
Location	Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hawaii, U.S. Cerro Pachón, Chile
Coordinates	19°49′26″N 155°28′11″W / 19.82396°N 155.46984°W / 19.82396; -155.46984 (Gemini North Observatory) 30°14′27″S 70°44′12″W / 30.24073°S 70.73659°W / -30.24073; -70.73659 (Gemini South Observatory)
Altitude	4,213 m (13,822 ft) 2,722 m (8,930 ft)
Established	2000
Website	www.gemini.edu
Telescopes
Gemini North 8.1 m Cassegrain reflector Gemini South 8.1 m Cassegrain reflector
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The Gemini Observatory is an astronomical observatory consisting of two 8.19-metre (26.9 ft) telescopes, the Gemini North and Gemini South at different sites in Hawaii and Chile, respectively. Together, the twin Gemini telescopes provide almost complete coverage of both the northern and southern skies. They are currently among the largest and most advanced optical/infrared telescopes available to astronomers (see List of largest optical reflecting telescopes).

The Gemini telescopes were built and are operated by a consortium consisting of the United States, Canada, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia. This partnership is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). The United Kingdom dropped out of the partnership at the end of 2012 and the Gemini Observatory has responded to this by significantly reducing its operating costs, so that no new partners are required beginning in 2013.

The Gemini Observatory's international Headquarters and Northern Operations Center is located in Hilo, Hawaii at the University of Hawaii at Hilo University Park. The Southern Operations Center is located on the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) campus near La Serena, Chile.

Together, the two telescopes cover almost all of the sky except for two large regions near the celestial poles: Gemini North cannot point north of declination +89 degrees, and Gemini South cannot point south of declination −89 degrees.

Both Gemini telescopes employ a range of technologies including laser guide stars, adaptive optics, multi conjugate adaptive optics, and multi-object spectroscopy. In addition, the telescope allows very high-quality infrared observations due to the advanced protected silver coating of its mirrors, its small secondary mirror (due to the f16 focal ratio), and advanced ventilation systems. Thanks to a high degree of networking, the Gemini telescopes can be operated remotely, and observations can be run when atmospheric conditions suit them best, reducing unnecessary travel by astronomers.