Gemini North Telescope is Back in Action!

Steve Hardash (right) guides one of the new shutter chains into place.

The Gemini North telescope has been back on sky since August 25, following a scheduled seven week shutdown. After enclosure repairs, telescope engineering, and instrument checkouts, the telescope is back to routine science and operations. Although the lower shutter still needs some additional work, this marks the culmination of a major coordinated effort by Gemini staff. The Gemini North day crew worked against the clock on shutter repairs, instruments (including the Acquisition and Guidance unit), and real-time software upgrades. Great work and congratulations to our day crew!