Observatory stand-off close to an end

An end may be in sight for the stand-off between the Science and Technology Facilities Council - the UK’s largest physical science organisation - and the board of the Gemini Observatory.

This follows a series of earlier decisions that looked set to end British involvement in the Observatory. The UK has been a partner in Gemini since its inception and to date has invested £35 million in the project.

The President of the Royal Astronomical Society, Professor Michael Rowan-Robinson, said: “The UK has invested heavily in the capital phase of the Gemini Observatories, in which we have a 23% stake. To pull out precipitately, as seemed to be happening, would have written this off to make a saving of 4 million pounds a year, at the expense of inflicting great damage to the UK’s international reputation.”

Gemini consists of two telescopes with 8m mirrors, one sited in Chile (Gemini South) and one in Hawaii (Gemini North). These instruments are amongst the largest in the world and are able to see some of the faintest objects in the night sky. Gemini North is also the only giant telescope in the northern hemisphere where the UK is a partner - losing access to this instrument would greatly hinder the ability of UK scientists to study objects in the northern part of the sky.

Rowan-Robinson said: “We must ensure that the outcome will give UK astronomers continued access to Gemini North. The Gemini North telescope in Hawaii is crucial for UK astronomers to remain in the front rank of international astronomy. One example is that the UK is active in a variety of space missions at far infrared, submillimetre and X-ray wavelengths.”

The STFC claim that a prioritisation process in the Programmatic Review has placed access to Gemini South and Gemini North a lower priority and in the current funding climate will not be able to continue to fund our membership of the Gemini partnership.

However, STFC is still in discussions with the Gemini Board and has not withdrawn from the partnership. In a statement, they told Laboratory News: “Our intention remains to secure a reduced level of involvement with the Gemini Observatory, but until the negotiations are complete, we can not comment on what form this might take.”