Program: GN-2006A-Q-1

This proposal is for the continuation of a long-term status proposal on Gemini (GN-2005A-Q-20), for which we have already been allocated 8 hrs of Grade 1 time in 2006A, the following is our Phase I submission for Semester 2006A. Additional information to the original Science and Technical Justifications can be found at the beginning of the relevant sections herein. The Targets and Observations have also been updated for this semester. Original abstract: We propose a long term (05A, 05B and 06A) target of opportunity program to use Michelle and NIRI on Gemini North and T-ReCS and Hokupa'a 85 on Gemini South to pursue follow-up, high angular resolution, deep infrared (IR) imaging of the thermal dust emission from extragalactic supernovae (SNe) detected by the Spitzer Space Telescope (SST). Mid-IR is the optimum wavelength range to search for the dust that is predicted to form within 1-3 years of outburst. Our goal is to put on a firmer statistical basis the widespread assumption that SNe are major sources of dust in the Universe. Our target list includes SNe scheduled in approved SST IRAC and MIPS programs. Long term status is required because the SST time allocation is over the next year, and because the dust emission is time variable on month time scales. Our recently reported SST detection of SN 2002hh demonstrates the success of such a strategy.