Gemini Update: The Gemini South Dedication
Harvey Richer - Canadian Gemini Scientist

The view from inside the Gemini South dome just prior to the dedication ceremony. In small groups everyone present was given a tour of the Gemini facilities. It was a gorgeous summer day and the flags from all the Gemini member countries were proudly flying.

On January 18, 2002 the Gemini South Telescope was formally dedicated. It was a wonderful celebration of an extremely impressive scientific and engineering achievement which was both on time and on budget. Delegates from all the member countries were present with the Canadian contingent consisting of Arthur Carty (President NRC) and Helene Carty, Jim Hesser, Dennis Crabtree, Jean-Guy Seguin (Financial Services NRC), Lise LeBlanc (Finance NRC), Harvey Richer and Klara Richer. The day began with busses picking up the delegates at their hotels early in the morning. Most people were staying at the Hotel La Serena Resort located right on the beach in La Serena.


The beach in La Serena with the Hotel La Serena Resort off to the left. The hotel was also the venue for the reception held in the evening after the dedication. Coquimbo, a sister city to La Serena and an important Chilean port, is off to the far right.

In order to reach Cerro Pachon, on which the Gemini South Telescope is located, one must travel up through the Elqui Valley. The Elqui River flows through the valley and up until a few years ago subjected the valley to years of great harvests or virtual droughts, depending on the amount of rainfall or runoff from the mountains (neither of which is ever very much). Control of this situation was recently provided by constructing an extremely impressive dam which now regulates the flow of water through the area. Near the dam a new tunnel had to be built as the dam required that the road be moved somewhat. It turned out that the planned tunnel was not wide enough to allow the Gemini South mirror to pass through it. So at Gemini's expense the tunnel was widened.


This picture shows almost half the Canadian contingent to the Gemini South dedication (left to right - Dennis Crabtree, Klara Richer, Harvey Richer). In the background is a view of the lake produced by damming the Elqui River.

Where there is water in the Elqui valley, there are wonderful crops. The valley is rightly famous for its wines and particularly its Pisco - the Chilean national drink. When mixed with lemon, egg whites and sugar, then shaken (not stirred) Pisco produces world famous Pisco sours - the best late afternoon drink in the Universe.


A view of the Elqui Valley near Vicuna. The flanks of the mountains are extremely dry but where there is water there is greenery.

The largest town close to the Gemini South telescope is Vicuna. It is famous for its many Pisco producers and tranquil setting. The Nobel Laureate poet Gabriella Mistral was born and did most of her writing in the Elqui Valley. There are numerous monuments and museums devoted to her in the Valley.


The main church in the small town of Vicuna - the closest town to Cerro Pachon. The most important industries are wine and Pisco production and tourism.

As expected, the dedication itself was largely a series of speeches by the senior member of each country's delegation. Arthur Carty spoke for Canada. The featured speaker was President Lagos of Chile who emphasized in his remarks how important astronomy was for Chile. He reached the summit of Cerro Pachon by taking a helicopter to Cerro Tololo and then driving the 10 km from Tololo to Pachon. The peak of Pachon is too small for a landing area



The president of Chile addressing the audience at the dedication. About half his speech was delivered in quite excellent English.