Gemini e-Newscast #34 -- November 14, 2011

1. Celebrating 1000 Gemini papers

The one-thousandth scientific paper based on Gemini data has been published. The result was the discovery of new diffuse interstellar bands at infrared wavelengths, adding 13 to the roughly 500 other bands that had previously been identified in the optical and infrared. Tom Geballe (Gemini) and colleagues identified the new features in absorption along lines of sight toward the Galactic Center, publishing the results in Nature (subscription required). None of the diffuse interstellar bands have been conclusively tied to a specific element or molecule since their discovery 90 years ago, although recent work suggests that the carriers are carbon-containing molecules.

The Observatory will continue to celebrate the milestone of 1000 papers through the end of the year. We will revisit some of the top science results and images with "Gemini Gems," both here and on Facebook.

2. Gemini Science and User Meeting, July 17-20, 2012

Save the date for the Gemini Science and User Meeting, to be held July 17-20 in San Francisco, California. The meeting will feature a variety of scientific results based on Gemini observations. Special sessions will offer users important venues to discuss future instrumentation needs for the long-term, and to identify immediate needs of current users.

3. First meeting of the Science and Technology Advisory Committee

The Gemini Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) has concluded its first meeting, which occurred November 7 and 8 at the base facility in La Serena, Chile. This committee replaces the Gemini Science Committee, advising the Gemini Board on policy matters of long-rance scientific and technical importance. More information about the committee and its membership is available. The STAC will provide crucial advice about future capabilities and developments, including a new instrument start to initiate during 2012. Do not hesitate to communicate with your STAC representative about your requirements for Gemini!

4. Gemini Town Hall at Austin AAS

Gemini will host a town hall discussion during the American Astronomical Society meeting in Austin, Texas. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2012, from 12:45-1:45PM, in Ballroom F. Please attend, bringing questions and comments! Gemini will also have a booth in the exhibition hall, where staff will be available to discuss recent developments and work with users. We will feature new proposing and observing tools, along with data reduction updates.

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