Program: GN-2006A-DD-7

We are requesting DDT time on Gemini-N with NIRI as soon as possible in order to observe a magnetar, 4U 0142+61, which appears to be in an unusual active state. This source has very recently (Sunday June 26, 2006) exhibited 4 bright X-ray bursts and a factor of >2 pulsed flux enhancement during our regular RXTE monitoring observations of it. Such behavior is unprecedented for this source. We have approved RXTE, Chandra and SWIFT TOO observations to follow-up this outburst. An INTEGRAL TOO request has also been submitted.