The Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) is a dedicated high-contrast imaging facility instrument designed for the direct detection and characterization of young Jupiter mass exoplanets. After six years of operation at Gemini South, GPI helped establish that the occurrence rate of Jovian planets peaks near the snow line and falls off toward larger separations. The successful results from GPI 1.0 motivate the next step in direct imaging science though an upgrade of GPI to achieve deeper contrasts, especially at small inner working angles, to extend GPI’s operating range to fainter stars, and to broaden its scientific capabilities, all while leveraging its historical success. GPI was packed and shipped from Gemini South to the University of Notre Dame in the Summer of 2022, and is undergoing a major science-driven upgrade as part of a relocation to Gemini North. We present a review of the scientific findings of GPI, the motivation behind the upgrade to GPI and how GPI 2.0 will impact the field of direct imaging. Further, we will discuss the status and purpose of the upgrades including an EMCCD-based pyramid wavefront sensor, broadband low spectral resolution prisms, new apodized-pupil Lyot coronagraph designs, upgrades of the calibration wavefront sensor and increased queue operability.

For Zoom connection information, please contact Emanuele Paolo Farina (emanuele.farina_at_noirlab.edu).

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