Sep 14

AURA Addressing Security Issue at NSO Facility

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 […]

Sep 6

Dr. Jennifer Lotz Appointed Gemini Observatory Director

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).

Jun 15

FY2019 Senate Appropriations Bill Provides Valuable Funding for the Future of U.S. Astronomy

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 […]

May 24

AURA Welcomes New Mexico Tech as New Member Institution

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).

May 24

House Appropriations Committee Proposes Strong Funding Levels for Astronomy in FY2019

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 […]

Mar 1

Free Screening of the Discovery Channel’s THE DARK SIDE OF THE SUN

The National Solar Observatory (NSO), Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (JHU/APL), and the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) are proud to present a free screening of the Discovery Channel’s “THE DARK SIDE OF THE SUN” narrated by award winning artist Sting, directed by filmmakers Nathaniel Kahn and Paul Bozymowski and produced by RadicalMedia.