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.

Feb 13

AURA Announces Search for Gemini Director

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) seeks a new Director for the Gemini Observatory, with the aim of filling this position as early as July 2018, and preferably by the end of 2018. Gemini Observatory operates twin 8.1-meter telescopes: one on Maunakea in Hawaii, the other on Cerro Pachón in Chile. AURA […]