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
703-306-1070, [email protected]
Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory
808-974-2510, [email protected]
Elizabeth Alvarez, U.S. Gemini Program
520-318-8385, [email protected]

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, 703-306-1070 or pager 1-888-937-5249, [email protected]