Embargoed until 11 A.M., EDT
NSF PR 99-44 - June 25, 1999
Media contact: |
Amber Jones,
National Science Foundation |
(703) 292-8070 |
|
Media contact: |
Peter Michaud,
Gemini Observatory |
(808) 974-2510 |
pmichaud@gemini.edu |
Media contact: |
Bill Noxon,
National Science Foundation |
(703) 292-8070 |
wnoxon@nsf.gov |
Media contact: |
Elizabeth Alvarez,
U.S. Gemini Program |
(520) 318-8385 |
ealvarez@noao.edu |
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New Telescope Gives Astronomers a Clearer Vision of
the Universe
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Image from the Gemini
North Observatory
Planetary Nebula BD+303639: Color composite
infrared image using adaptive optics on
the Gemini North telescope.
Photo courtesy: Gemini Observatory,
National Science Foundation and the University
of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy.
Select image for larger version, available
on Gemini Observatory's web site
Note
About Images |
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At a ceremony in Hawaii today, astronomers revealed
some of the sharpest infrared images ever obtained
by a ground-based telescope. These first high-resolution
images from the new Gemini North Observatory show
the remarkable power of the telescope's technologies,
which minimize distortions that have blurred astronomical
images since Galileo first pointed a telescope skyward
almost 400 years ago. The clarity of these images
is equivalent to resolving the separation between
a set of automobile headlights at a distance of 2,000
miles!
The images were unveiled at the dedication of Gemini
North, one of the largest telescopes in the world,
near the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of
Hawaii. Built by an international partnership of seven
nations, it is the first of two 8-meter telescopes
that together can explore the entire northern and
southern skies in optical and infrared light. Its
twin, Gemini South, is under construction on Cerro
Pachón in northern Chile. They are expected to obtain
unprecedented optical and infrared views of stars,
galaxies and the most distant outposts of the known
universe.
"The inauguration of this telescope marks a new era
in our exploration of the heavens, and the United
States is proud to be one of the leaders of that era,"
said Rita Colwell, National Science Foundation (NSF)
director. "The Gemini project stands out as a model
of collaboration, enabling scientists and engineers
from seven nations together to achieve images of the
universe that were unimaginable even a few years ago."
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Australia,
Brazil and Argentina are participating in the $192-million
project. NSF will fund almost half the amount on behalf
of the United States. NSF also serves as the executive
agency for the international partnership.
The Gemini telescopes incorporate new technologies
that allow large, relatively thin mirrors to collect
and focus starlight with extraordinary precision.
At infrared wavelengths, these technologies make it
possible at times to achieve even more clarity than
is possible with the Hubble Space Telescope. The observations
will help astronomers make major advances in answering
questions about how stars and planets form, the structure
of the Milky Way and other galaxies, and the age and
evolution of the universe.
"Gemini's innovative optics and thermal controls give
these telescopes a significant edge in studying the
universe using infrared light," said Matt Mountain,
director of the international project. "The results
we've seen today give us confidence that the risks
we've taken will pay off for ground based astronomers
by providing extremely sharp images. This will allow
us to look back in time to the most distant galaxies
and even detect the trembling of individual molecules
around newly forming stellar systems."
Gemini North is expected to start scientific operations
by mid-2000, and Gemini South about a year later.
They are the largest, most advanced telescopes available
to U.S. astronomical researchers and students regardless
of institutional affiliation. U.S. astronomers will
receive almost half of the observing time on Gemini.
Images and data from the Gemini telescopes will be
available to astronomers around the world through
sophisticated computer technology and the Next Generation
Internet.
The Gemini project is managed by the Association of
Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA),
a non-profit consortium of 29 U.S. institutions and
five international affiliates. For U.S. astronomers,
the gateway to Gemini is the U.S. Gemini Program,
a division of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories
(NOAO). NOAO is operated by AURA under a cooperative
agreement with the NSF.
Editors: 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:
Broadcasters: B-roll of Gemini North's first
images and aerial and close-up views of the telescope
are 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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