With funding and support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Gemini Observatory established a new Internet pathway in August 2002, which will provide its twin telescopes with the data transfer capabilities required to handle the enormous amounts of scientific information created by Gemini's sophisticated instrumentation. This new link between Gemini's twin, 8-meter telescopes located on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, and on Cerro Pachón in the Chilean Andes was made possible with the support and technology of Internet2 and AMPATH, a Florida International University international Internet exchange point to research institutions in South America. Under development for almost five years, this link allows Gemini to move forward towards its goal of becoming the world's first "cyber observatory." According to Peter Michaud, Public Information and Outreach Manager for the Gemini Observatory, "A virtual ribbon cutting on August 13, 2002 officially inaugurated the new link between the twin observatories. This link will allow astronomers to access skies in both the northern and southern hemispheres without having to travel to Hawaii or Chile."

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