How do Australian Astronomers Use Gemini?
Any Australian scientist can apply for time on one or both of the Gemini Telescopes. You have to write a telescope proposal, which explains what you want to do, and how you plan to do it. These proposals are considered by the Australian Time Assignment Committee twice a year. The most exciting and technically feasible proposals are then awarded time – this may be as little as an hour, or as much as several nights. The lucky astronomers may choose to travel to the telescope to carry out their observations. Alternatively, they can let the data be taken by Gemini staff, when the conditions are right. In the latter case, they plan the observations in great detail using a computer program, and upload the plan to Gemini’s computers. When the weather conditions are right, Gemini staff (some of whom are Australian) will execute the observations. The astronomers can then access their data over the Internet.
