Editing Gemini Observatory (section)

== Overview ==

The Gemini Observatory's international Headquarters and Northern Operations Center is located in [[Hilo, Hawaii]] at the [[University of Hawaii at Hilo]] University Park. The Southern Operations Center is located on the [[Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory]] (CTIO) campus near [[La Serena, Chile]].

* The "Gemini North" telescope, officially called the ''[[Frederick C. Gillett]] Gemini Telescope''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gemini.edu/node/64 |title=Gemini Telescope on Mauna Kea Named in Honor of Dr. Frederick C. Gillett &#124; Gemini Observatory |date=13 November 2002 |publisher=Gemini.edu |access-date=2013-11-15}}</ref> is located on [[Hawaii]]'s [[Mauna Kea]], along with many other telescopes. That location provides excellent viewing conditions due to the superb atmospheric conditions (stable, dry, and rarely cloudy) above the {{convert|4200|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} dormant volcano. It saw [[First light (astronomy)|first light]] in 1999 and began scientific operations in 2000.

[[File:Caught Between Earth and Sky (iotw2315a).jpg|thumb|center|500px|Gemini North on the summit of Hawaii's Mauna Kea]]

* The "Gemini South" telescope is located at over {{convert|2700|m|ft}} elevation on a mountain in the [[Chile]]an [[Andes]] called [[Cerro Pachón]]. Very dry air and negligible cloud cover make this another prime telescope location (again shared by several other observatories, including the [[Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope]] (SOAR) and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory). Gemini South saw first light in 2000.

[[File:Sunset Over Gemini South and the LSST.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Gemini South, on Cerro Pachón in the Chilean Andes]]

Together, the two telescopes cover almost all of the sky except for two areas near the celestial poles: Gemini North cannot point north of [[declination]] +89 degrees, and Gemini South cannot point south of declination −89 degrees.

Both Gemini telescopes employ a range of  technologies to provide world-leading performance in optical and near-infrared astronomy, including [[laser guide star]]s, [[adaptive optics]], multi conjugate adaptive optics, and multi-object [[spectroscopy]]. In addition, very high-quality infrared observations are possible due to the advanced protected silver coating applied to each telescope's mirrors, the small secondary mirrors in use (resulting in an f16 focal ratio), and the advanced ventilation systems installed at each site.