I will be followed by various Hawai'ian politicians and scholars, including the Honorable B. J. Cayetano, Governor. We all hope that the dedication will be a fine event, celebrating the fantastic work of the scientists, engineers, technicians, secretaries and other people in many countries who have contributed to building the Gemini MK Telescope within budget and schedule. More to the point, we hope to release at the time of dedication some nice astronomical images recently obtained with the Gemini MK telescope. The Gemini Newsletter is also a good source of information. Gemini de Mauna Kea l'int rieur de l'enveloppe budg taire pr vue et en respectant les ch anciers.
T lescope Gemini.
Despite all the press releases you will see in the coming weeks, the Gemini MK telescope is not yet ready for regular science observing. As has always been the plan, the 14-month commissioning time for Gemini MK started immediately following first light on 26 February 1999. The start of astronomical observations is scheduled for June 2000. The proposal deadline for the first semester of shared-risk observing is set for 31st January 2000. 26 f vrier 1999.