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Next: Introduction

A dedicated calibration facility for the Gemini telescopes

Suzanne K. Ramsay Howat, John W. Harris, Richard J. Bennett
Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh EH9 3HJ, UK.

Abstract:

Reliable calibration of astronomical data from large telescopes is an essential factor in obtaining high sensitivity observations for both the astronomer at the telescope and the archive researcher. A dedicated calibration unit provides an efficient and predictable method of observing calibration frames. Such a facility is being designed for the Gemini telescopes. It is required to calibrate instruments with wavelengths from the UV to the infrared, covering a broad range of both spectral and spatial resolution. We will present the design of this calibration unit and the predicted performance with the `first-light' Gemini instruments.

Keywords: calibration, diffusing systems, uniform illumination, observing efficiency



Suzie Ramsay
Fri Jun 21 12:25:05 BST 1996