Name Change for Gemini

One of the twin telescopes that make up the Gemini Observatory, the 8-meter Gemini North on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, was renamed the Frederick C. Gillett Gemini Telescope on 13 November in honor of the pioneer in infrared astronomy, who died in April 2001. The tribute was suggested by Gemini director Matt Mountain, who worked closely with Gillett for many years. “It is fairly soon after his death,” says Peter Michaud, public information and outreach manager at the observatory, “but Gillett was so important to the Gemini project that there was little argument over the action.” The move touched widow Marian Gillett. “The naming of the telescope, which always looks up at the stars, just as Fred did all his life, is a very appropriate way to remember him,” she says. Currently, there are no plans to rename Gemini South on Cerro Pachón in Chile, says Michaud.