**************************************************************************
BOLETIM ELETRÔNICO DA SAB N. 502 EXTRA - 11/12/2009
**************************************************************************
Responsável: Helio J. Rocha-Pinto             (helio@astro.ufrj.br)
**************************************************************************

*A Short Survey** for Gemini Instrumentation Needs*


The Gemini Observatory is in the process of defining the needs of its
community for instrumentation in the coming decade.  As such, the Gemini
Science Committee has been tasked by the Gemini Board to advise the
Observatory, based on the input of its constituency, to produce a
rank-ordered list of a limited number (5-6) of instruments for further
consideration.  The US community has already been surveyed in this 
regard, and the GSC would now like to obtain parallel information from 
the rest of the partnership.  Note that, at the present time, we are 
emphasizing capabilities rather than any particular implementation in 
the form of an instrument.  The short survey we ask you to fill out 
and return (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JDP9VDD) will enable this 
effort.

Time is of the essence, as actionable decisions concerning at least 
the first of the planned instruments are expected from the Gemini 
Board in the first half of 2010, optimistically pointing toward a 
quick start within calendar year 2010.

*YOU*, as a member of the Gemini community, can help make this 
possibility a reality by completing and submitting this survey *NO 
LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23. *

We realize that this is a short deadline, but it is necessary in order 
that the GSC can compile and interpret the results in time for 
discussions that are planned during the January AAS meeting in 
Washington, DC.   Of course, results will be circulated to the full 
partnership as soon as they are available, to assist in planning for 
individual partners.

Thanks in advance for undertaking this survey.  It should not require 
more than ten minutes of thoughtful reflection.

Timothy Beers

GSC Chair, on behalf of the GSC

**********************************************************************