UK Gemini support
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Physics
Abstract
The Gemini Observatory operates twin 8-m optical/infrared telescopes equipped with some of the most sensitive instruments in the world, one on the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, and the other on Cerro Pachon, Chile, on behalf of a 6 nation partnership. Through the contributions made by the STFC, the UK has access to 20% of the observing time. This time is allocated to astronomers in UK Universities and research institutes through a peer-review process which assesses the scientific merit of observing proposals. To ensure efficient exploitation of Gemini, a small group of astronomers provides support to the UK astronomers in applying for observing time and in formulating the instrument configurations, the movements of the telescopes, and the detector settings so that the observing time is used effectively. The group also supports the evaluation of observing proposals and UK input to the Gemini observatory management. To maintain expertise, group members assist the observatory staff in conducting observations and also conduct their own individual research projects. In this application, we seek renewal of the grant that has supported the UK National Gemini Office at Oxford University since it was established in 1999.
Organisations
Publications
Sturm E
(2010)
Herschel -PACS spectroscopy of IR-bright galaxies at high redshift
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Söchting I
(2012)
Ultra Deep Catalogue of Galaxy Structures in the Cosmic Evolution Survey field Ultra Deep Catalogue of Galaxy Structures in the COSMOS field
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Thompson M
(2010)
A search for debris disks in the Herschel -ATLAS
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Weights D
(2009)
Infrared spectroscopy and analysis of brown dwarf and planetary mass objects in the Orion nebula cluster
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Description | This award has supported research made with the STFC_supported Gemini telescopes (which the UK has now withdrawn from). |
Exploitation Route | The results obtained have stimulated further telescope proposals and instrument developments |
Sectors | Education,Other |
Description | NAM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Type Of Presentation | Workshop Facilitator |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Outreach and presentational events leaflets - interactive programmes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011 |
Description | Outreach programmes at a variety of stargazing events |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Poster Presentation |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Contributions to telescope evenings and open day events. Continuing high demand for the Oxford outreach programmes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013 |