Speckle Interferometric Observations With the Gemini 8-m Telescopes: Signal-to-Noise Calculations and Observational Results

Using 3 years of observations with the Zorro and ’Alopeke speckle interferometric instruments at Gemini South North, respectively, we present an analysis sensitivity data taken in two narrow-band optical filters centered 562 832 nm (widths 54 40 nm, respectively). In this paper focus on model calculations predicted signal-to-noise values achievable results over 2500 actual observations. We find that S/N several 100 are easily achieved, but sky background during full moon is a very limiting factor observations, especially those performed short-wavelength (blue) spectral range for targets fainter than R ∼14. A comparison our six observing semesters reveals red band-pass provide more robust general, likely due to better atmospheric performance these wavelengths. identical North South, similar obtained, yielding typical contrast limits 5-9 magnitudes from diffraction limit out 1.2″ target brightness (optical ∼ >16 ). along observational results, estimation given observation can be based brightness, illumination seeing conditions, total integration time.