In preparation for the planned launch of NSF’s National Center for Optical-Infrared Astronomy (NCOA), AURA has initiated the search for an NCOA Director. The NCOA Director is responsible for providing strategic, scientific and managerial leadership, including defining the vision and structure of NCOA, setting priorities and establishing goals across the organization, and providing direction, guidance […]
National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), along with the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), are pleased to announce a transition plan for NOAO leadership through the rest of this year, following the departure of David Silva January 25.
A new $4.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) has been awarded to the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) for the development of a new “Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach” at NSF’s Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Sunspot Solar Observatory is transitioning back to regular operations as of September 17th
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is addressing a security issue at the National Solar Observatory (NSO) facility at Sacramento Peak, New Mexico and has decided to temporarily vacate the facility as a precautionary measure until further notice. All other NSO facilities are open and operating normally. AURA, which manages Sacramento Peak […]
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Lotz as the next Director of the Gemini Observatory. Dr. Lotz begins a five-year appointment as Gemini Director starting October 1, 2018. Previously, Dr. Lotz held the position of associate astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI).
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Appropriations, led by Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), approved the fiscal year 2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill crafted by Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Vice Chairwoman Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Following the bill’s 30-1 vote out of committee, AURA’s President […]
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) welcomes the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) as a new member institution of AURA, a consortium of US institutions and international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories on behalf of NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations recently approved the fiscal year 2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill led by Subcommittee Chairman Rep. John Culberson (R-TX). This spending bill recommends healthy funding levels for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF); these are important both […]
U.S. national observatory and two extremely large telescope projects team up to enhance U.S. scientific leadership in astronomy and astrophysics.