The Gemini 8-meter telescopes project

The Gemini Telescopes Project is an international partnership of the U.S., U.K., Canada, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil to build two telescopes, one in the northern hemisphere and one in the south. The telescopes will achieve an unprecedented combination of light-gathering power and image quality over the infrared, optical and ultraviolet spectral regions observable from the ground. The facilities are intended to exploit the best natural observing conditions at the sites to carry out a broad range of astronomical research programs undertaken by the National communities of the partner countries. First light on Gemini-North is scheduled for 1998 and for Gemini-South in the year 2000, with handover to operations in 2000 and 2001, respectively.