Staff of Gemini telescope begins remote operations

Gemini is the latest telescope atop Mauna Kea to be operated remotely.

Observatory spokesman Peter Michaud said astronomers and other staff began controlling the 8-meter optical/infrared telescope from their Hilo headquarters about two weeks ago.

For now, a couple of employees remain at the telescope each night as a “safety net” in case something goes wrong, he said. The goal is to have no staff at the observatory during observations by the end of the year.

“We want to make sure everything is working the way it is,” Michaud said.

“We got cameras now keeping tabs on the sky and the environment very, very carefully.”

Once fully implemented, the move will result in about two fewer vehicles driving up the mountain each night, he said.