Quick response target of opportunity observations at Gemini

摘要

Gamma-ray bursts and other targets of opportunity require a quick response by observers to maximize the significance of observations. Because of this need for quickness, these types of observations are often observed at smaller facilities where observers and institutions have more freedom to respond to serendipitous events. The two Gemini 8-m telescopes have a well-developed workflow for queue observing that allows investigators to be involved in their science program throughout its lifecycle. To coincide with the startup of the Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer orbiting observatory in late 2004, the Gemini observing policies, workflow, and observing tools were enhanced to allow investigators to participate in target of opportunity programs. This paper describes how target of opportunity has been integrated into Gemini operations to allow investigators to trigger observations at the Gemini telescopes within minutes of an event.