The Gemini-south MCAO operational model: Insights on a new era of telescope operation

Gelys Trancho*, Matthieu Bec, Etienne Artigau, Celine D'Orgeville, Damien Gratadour, Francois J. Rigaut, Brian Walls

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Gemini Observatory is implementing a Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO) system as a facility instrument for the Gemini South telescope (GeMS). The system will include 5 Laser Guide Stars, 3 Natural Guide Stars, and 3 deformable mirrors, optically conjugated at different altitudes, to achieve near-uniform atmospheric compensation over a one arc minute square field of view. This setup implies some level of operational complexity. In this paper we describe how GeMS will be integrated into the flow of Gemini operations, from the observing procedures necessary to execute the programs in the queue (telescope control software, observing tools, sequence executor) to the safety implementation needed such as spotters/ASCAM, space command and laser traffic control software.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationObservatory Operations
Subtitle of host publicationStrategies, Processes, and Systems II
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventObservatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems II - Marseille, France
Duration: 24 Jun 200826 Jun 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7016
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceObservatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems II
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityMarseille
Period24/06/0826/06/08

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