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From January 2001, the School of Physics at UNSW became host
to the Australian
Gemini Project Office. This is a result of A/Prof
Warrick Couch, from the Department of Astrophysics within
the School, becoming the new Australian Gemini Project Scientist.
The Office, under the management of the Project Scientist,
is responsible for overseeing and coordinating Australia's
involvement in the International Gemini Project - a collaboration
between the USA, Canada, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Chile
and Australia to build and operate twin 8-meter optical/infrared
telescopes: one on Mauna Kea in Hawaii and the other on Cerro
Pachón in Chile (see pictures). These telescopes are designed
to provide sub-tenth of an arcsecond imagery - achievable
up until now only from space - through the combination of
being located at superb sites and the use of state-of-the-art
adaptive optic techniques. The telescopes are also optimised
for superior infrared performance. As such, they will be at
the scientific forefront in tackling a diversity of astrophysical
problems ranging from planetary and stellar studies to galactic
star formation in the very early universe. Regular observing
on the Gemini North telescope began in 2000, and will do so
on the Gemini South telescope in the latter half of this year.
With Australia having a 5% share in Gemini, Australian astronomers
will receive up to 18 nights on each telescope per year. They
will also have opportunities to bid for and win multi-million
dollar contracts to build the highly sophisticated instruments
that are planned for the telescopes. Managing both the use
of Australia's telescope time, which is allocated competitively,
and the involvement in instrumentation projects, are the primary
functions of the Australian Project Scientist and Office.
Further Information
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Click here
for the International Gemini Project's Home Page
Click here
for the Australian Gemini Community web page
Contact:
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