Astronomy news and discoveries from the Gemini Observatory.

Gemini North’s Recovery from Hurricane Lala Ongoing

20 Aug 2026 at 9:22pm

2026 Aug 20 — Gemini North Update 

We have regained access to the Maunakea summit facility and are in the process of assessment and recovery. 

All instruments were preventively warmed up on the 15th of August and require different amounts of time to become ready for science operations. Once the...

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Gemini North Observing Database Offline

18 Aug 2026 at 1:33am

Due to the impact of Hurricane Lala on summit cooling systems, we have shut down several computer systems, including the Gemini North Observing Database (ODB).

While the ODB is offline the following services will be unavailable:
- Observing Tool synchronizations and file transfers
- Phase I Tool...

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Gemini South Operations Update: Winter Storm Recovery

17 Aug 2026 at 10:55pm

Facility Status Gemini South remains temporarily closed following the recent severe winter storm, as commercial power and water are currently unavailable at the summit.

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Gemini North’s Impact from Hurricane Lala

16 Aug 2026 at 9:41pm

Hurricane Lala passed by the Big Island yesterday and caused some damage. We have no commercial power at the Maunakea summit and the road to the summit sustained at least one landslide that we know of. We are informed it might take a few days before we will be allowed to access the summit and ins...

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IGRINS-2 reduced data available the following day

11 Aug 2026 at 11:35pm

IGRINS-2 data are now reduced automatically on a daily basis. Reduced science products are generally produced on the day following the observations and made available through the Gemini Observatory Archive.

The reduction includes the standard IGRINS-2 PLP products, including extracted H- and K-b...

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August 2026 Call for Proposals

31 Jul 2026 at 9:02pm

Gemini North and South are accepting proposals for the Fast Turnaround (FT) program in this call. Here, we give information specific to this proposal cycle. Please see the other FT pages - particularly the rules - for general information about the program. FT (dual anonymous)-specific proposal te...

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Winter Storm recuperation July 31st update

31 Jul 2026 at 8:28pm

Update on the progress of our operational recovery efforts following the severe storm system that affected the area surrounding our facilities in Chile between July 16 and 21.

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Winter Storm Update July 25

25 Jul 2026 at 1:09pm

Here is an update on the status of our facilities following the severe storm system that affected the region, causing widespread flooding and the closure of public roads throughout the area. As a precaution, we evacuated all personnel from our mountain facilities before the storm arrived and safe...

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Severe winter storm shutdown

23 Jul 2026 at 12:46pm

Following the severe winter storm that impacted the Coquimbo, Chile region, we are relieved to report that all staff are safe. The storm, however, caused widespread road damage and cut off immediate access to the summit. Commercial power lines are currently down and will likely take some time to ...

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Gemini South Shutdown Advanced by One Week

13 Jul 2026 at 5:29pm

Due to the approaching storm this weekend, coupled with deteriorating cloud conditions forecast to begin today, we have elected to advance the Shutdown timeline. As the storm system may extend well into the coming week, an early start has been deemed the most prudent course of action.

Please be ...

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Gemini Observatory Resources

Gemini Observatory
The Gemini Observatory consists of twin 8-meter optical/infrared telescopes located on two of the best sites on our planet for observing the universe. Together these telescopes can access the entire sky.

Gemini Image Gallery
Contains a number of new and recent photos taken by the observatory, along with pictures of the telescopes themselves, video and animations and free desktop wallpaper.