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NSF PA/M 99-18 - June 23, 1999
Gemini Telescopes' First Images To Be Revealed
Clearer Vision of the Universe Expected
The first images from one of the largest, most advanced optical/infrared
telescopes in the world will be released at its dedication on June 25.
The exceptional clarity of the infrared images obtained with Gemini North
reflect an extraordinary improvement in our ability to explore the universe
with ground based telescopes. U.S. National Science Foundation Director
Rita Colwell; Hawaii Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano; His Royal Highness
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York; and other representatives from the seven
participating nations will dedicate the telescope near the summit of Hawaii's
Mauna Kea at 11:15 a.m. Hawaii time (5:15 p.m. EDT).
The 8-meter Gemini North telescope and its twin, Gemini South in Chile,
are being built by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Australia,
Brazil and Argentina, with the United States contributing almost half
of the cost through the National Science Foundation.
High-resolution versions of the infrared images obtained by Gemini North
and digital photographs of Gemini North and Gemini South will be available
on the World Wide Web at 5 a.m. Hawaii time (11 a.m. EDT) on June 25.
The images may be found at the following sites:
- www.gemini.edu/media/media1.html
- www.noao.edu/usgp
- www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/gemini/dedication.htm
For more information contact:
- Amber Jones, National Science Foundation (703) 292-8070,
aljones@nsf.gov
- Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory (808) 974-2510,
pmichaud@gemini.edu
- Elizabeth Alvarez, U.S. Gemini Program (520) 318-8385,
ealvarez@noao.edu
Broadcasters: B-roll of Gemini North's first images
and aerial and close-up views of the telescope will be
available on Betacam SP. Contact: Dena Headlee, National
Science Foundation A/V specialist, (703) 292-8070 or
pager 1-888-937-5249, dheadlee@nsf.gov
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