Announcement: Community Science & Data Center

7 Mayo 2024: What better way to visualize planetary and stellar data than projected on a giant, animated sphere? Science On a Sphere is an educational tool developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help illustrate concepts of planetary science to people of all ages. A Science On a Sphere system has been installed at the U.S. National Science Foundation Kitt Peak National Observatory, a program of NSF NOIRLab, and the first NOIRLab produced Science On a Sphere show is now available for free download to be used on any Science On a Sphere compatible system. The Sun: Our Living Star explores the profound role of our Sun as a living entity that sustains life and energy on Earth. It delves into how the Sun influences our planet’s weather, ecosystems, and the changing seasons, while also delving into historical perspectives and key scientific revelations about our Solar System. Featuring high-resolution …

14 Marzo 2024: The IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS), which is co-hosted by NSF’s NOIRLab and the SKAO, has released a paper entitled Call to Protect the Dark and Quiet Sky from Harmful Interference by Satellite Constellations that states its recommendations for the mitigation of satellite constellations’ impact on astronomy. The document is the culmination of 18 months’ work by a multidisciplinary group of experts, including astronomers, industry representatives and policy advisors, led by Gyula I. G. Józsa of MPIfR, and represents the view of the IAU Centre on what steps should now be taken to address the issue. The 30-page document summarises the current understanding of the effects of satellite constellations on professional optical and radio astronomy, as well as humanity’s connection with the night sky, including its cultural significance and its importance to amateur astronomers. It proposes a range of …

11 Marzo 2024: The astronomy fair AstroDay Chile 2024, organized by NSF’s NOIRLab and AURA, will kick off the celebrations of the National Day of Astronomy in Chile on Friday 15 March. The fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Gabriela Mistral Regional Library in La Serena. From paper rocket construction to a feature of the world-acclaimed production Big Astronomy, there will be a diverse selection of fun and educational activities for the whole family. AstroDay Chile is one the most popular events for astronomy in Chile. In attendance will be professionals from observatories such as Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory and Vera C. Rubin Observatory, both of them Programs of NSF’s NOIRLab, International Gemini Observatory, which is operated by NSF’s NOIRLab, the Las Campanas Observatory and many more, offering the public a unique opportunity to learn about the latest scientific discoveries and advances from the observatories in Chile, and …

15 Febrero 2024: After intense discussions, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) Scientific and Technical Subcommittee has agreed to include an item on its provisional agenda for the next five years with the title “Dark and Quiet Skies, astronomy and large constellations: addressing emerging issues and challenges”. As the UN’s top body for space-related matters, with delegates from more than 102 countries, COPUOS deals with all topics related to international cooperation and the exploration of space and planetary bodies, including the deployment of satellites, space debris mitigation, the long-term sustainability of space and the use of orbital slots. The proposal, championed by Chile and Spain — both countries hosting significant international astronomy infrastructure — and the astronomy community, received widespread support and was co-signed by several delegations [1]. The International Astronomical Union (IAU), European Southern Observatory (ESO), European Astronomical Society (EAS), and Square Kilometre Array Observatory …

13 Febrero 2024: The NOIRLab Ambassador Program, launched in May 2023, aims to increase public engagement with NOIRLab and its Programs, including Vera C. Rubin Observatory Construction, by working together with motivated and enthusiastic volunteers to share our mission and science with new audiences. A major milestone for the program has been achieved with the selection of the first thirty ambassadors! The new ambassadors represent a diverse, personable, creative, and enthusiastic group of individuals with a range of skills who have an interest in promoting NOIRLab’s scientific discoveries, education initiatives, and activities to the public. Over the next 12 months they will contribute to NOIRLab and Rubin in a variety of ways including audiovisual (images and video), music, art (including crafts), education, social media and advocacy for dark skies. In all, seven audiovisual ambassadors, ten social media ambassadors, two music ambassadors, 13 education ambassadors, one dark skies ambassador and two art ambassadors were …

17 Enero 2024: The sixth (January 2024) edition of The NOIRLab Mirror newsletter is now available. This biannual publication focuses on news for the NOIRLab community and showcases the science, technology, and developments across the five NOIRLab Programs: the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the International Gemini Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), and Vera C. Rubin Observatory Operations. The January 2024 issue features a collection of science highlights spanning the breadth of NOIRLab facilities and Programs, a recap of the October 2023 IAU Symposium #385 “Astronomy and Satellite Constellations: Pathways Forward,” the launch of the Cool Neighbors Citizen Science Project, a look back on the 2023 La Serena School for Data Science, an announcement of the International Gemini Observatory’s Long-Range Strategic Vision for the 2030s, an overview of NOIRLab’s public visits program, and much more. The NOIRLab Mirror is free and notifications of the release of …

13 Diciembre 2023: Paul Palma from Alianza Austral School in Coyhaique has won the 2023 AURA Padre Picetti Prize, an annual initiative started in 2014 by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) that seeks to recognize leading teachers in Chile who demonstrate a special dedication towards astronomy and encouraging new generations of scientists. In addition to a commemorative award, Palma was presented with an 8-inch dobsonian telescope and a visit to Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), a Program of NSF’s NOIRLab, where he toured the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter telescope. The award ceremony took place at the AURA Recinto Office in La Serena and was led by the Vice-President and Head of Mission of AURA in Chile, Alejandra Voigt. Additionally, Claudia Tello and Angelo Leita, the principal and vice-principal of Seminario Conciliar School in La Serena where father Juan Bautista Picetti, the inspiration behind this prize, once worked, also participated …

18 Octubre 2023: Together with the other Maunakea Observatories (MKOs), the International Gemini Observatory, operated by NSF's NOIRLab, celebrated AstroDay Kona with families and friends of all ages on Saturday 7 October 2023. A free event held outdoors at the Kona Commons Shopping Center in Kailua-Kona, AstroDay Kona provided an estimated 400 visitors with the opportunity to learn about the Universe and the spectacular discoveries made by Gemini and the other telescopes on Maunakea. Like the Annual AstroDay in Hilo each May, this event is led by the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy. To share the wonders of the cosmos that inspire astronomy research, observatory staff presented the community with special science demonstrations and activities, informative exhibitions, including dozens of free images, the NOIRLab virtual tour and an infrared camera demonstration. “This event is a great opportunity for us to reach the public across Hawai‘i Island and broaden our geographical reach significantly,” …

2 Octubre 2023: Scientists, including astronomers from the International Astronomical Union Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS), have published a paper in Nature assessing the detailed impact of the BlueWalker 3 satellite on astronomy. Building on initial observations from shortly after its launch, these new results complement the initial understanding of this unusual satellite and the paper contains details of how the satellite’s brightness changes over time and the visibility of jettisoned hardware. With companies intending to deploy more commercial satellites in the coming years, this paper highlights the need for pre-launch impact assessments. “The interference of satellites in astronomy has become an increasingly pressing issue over the last few years,” commented first author Sangeetha Nandakumar from the Instituto de Astronomía y Ciencias Planetarias, Universidad de Atacama Chile. BlueWalker 3 was launched into low Earth orbit on 10 September 2022 by AST SpaceMobile …

5 Septiembre 2023: SatCons 101, a new educational curriculum for learning about the design of large satellite constellations and their impact on astronomy, has been launched by the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS), co-hosted by the NSF’s NOIRLab and the SKA Observatory (SKAO) on behalf of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). While satellite constellations unquestionably bring social benefits, such as broadband communication and Global Position Systems (GPS), they can also have negative impacts on astronomy and the environment. To educate interested parties about these issues, SatCons 101 presents eight video modules designed to teach the fundamentals of satellite constellations. Topics covered are their design, their purpose, their impact on optical/infrared and radio astronomy, and international regulations on their use of space. The curriculum is designed to be unbiased, presenting participants with data and facts that will help bring awareness …

29 Agosto 2023: The fifth (August 2023) edition of The NOIRLab Mirror newsletter is now available. This biannual publication focuses on news for the NOIRLab community and showcases the science, technology, and developments across the five NOIRLab Programs: the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the International Gemini Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), and Vera C. Rubin Observatory Operations. The August 2023 issue features a collection of science highlights spanning the breadth of NOIRLab facilities and Programs, a review of citizen-science research on light pollution, pathways forward for astronomy and satellite constellations, a lookback at Gemini North’s return to operations following the repair of its primary mirror, Rubin Observatory and DEI training, updates on the US Extremely Large Telescope Program, much more. The NOIRLab Mirror is free and notifications of the release of future electronic issues can be requested here. A free subscription for printed copies can …

25 Agosto 2023: The number of publications in peer-reviewed journals is among the most important productivity metrics in astronomy, astrophysics, and all of science. NSF’s NOIRLab, which encompasses many of the world’s most powerful and productive telescopes, continues to provide exceptional service to the international astronomical community, leading to impressive representation in peer-reviewed publications. Since 2014 the observatories comprising NOIRLab have seen a steady increase in total publications, from 535 refereed publications in the 2014 calendar year [1] to 703 refereed publications in 2022. This trend positions NOIRLab in the upper echelon of world-class observatories, alongside the European Southern Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope. Breaking this trend down by Program, the International Gemini Observatory recorded 262 refereed publications in 2022, comprising 170 refereed publications from the Gemini North telescope and 132 from the Gemini South telescope (some publications used both telescopes). Among these publications were highly impactful discoveries, such as Gemini North’s …

28 Julio 2023: On 20 July 2023 AURA, together with the United States Embassy in Chile, held the Bicentennial Educational Meeting in celebration of 200 years of official relations between Chile and the United States. As one of the activities, the AURA facilities in La Serena hosted their first ever educational fair, welcoming more than 230 students from the Coquimbo Region to participate in a variety of science education activities. Ruth Botts, a representative of the United States Embassy in Chile, was also in attendance and was greeted by Alejandra Voigt, the director of AURA in Chile, and Stuartt Corder, the deputy director of NOIRLab. Botts noted: "I’m happy to be at the AURA complex with the young people who represent the future of our countries. Many thanks to the AURA team for their collaboration and commitment in this meeting, as well as the Chilean-American Institute of La Serena.” She added: “When we …

27 Junio 2023: From comets and pulsars to supernovae and exoplanets, many exciting cosmic discoveries have been made by dedicated amateur astronomers, school students, and citizen scientists. Some of these intrepid science sleuths also partner with professional astronomers, using their combined resources and analytic skills to answer particularly vexing questions. One important area of research that has benefited greatly from citizen scientists is the search for brown dwarfs, vast spheres of gas that are not quite massive enough to become stars yet are too massive to be considered planets. Since brown dwarfs lack the internal nuclear reactions that power stars, they are extremely faint and difficult to detect, even with world-class observatories. Many could be hiding in our own galactic backyard, within just a few dozen light-years from the Sun. To turbocharge the hunt for these cool cosmic neighbors, NSF’s NOIRLab has launched Backyard Worlds: Cool Neighbors, a citizen-science program that combines machine-learning …

13 Junio 2023: AURA and NSF’s NOIRLab in Chile have donated to the Municipality of Paihuano a new, dark-sky compliant lighting system for the Pisco Elqui main square. This is the first lighting project in the Coquimbo Region to comply with the new dark-sky lighting standards that will be adopted soon. The 22 new compliant light fittings have been installed and were switched on as part of a World Environment Day fair held in the square. The Mayor of Paihuano, Hernán Ahumada, AURA's Head of Mission in Chile, Alejandra Voigt, the AURA Deputy Director, Hernán Bustos, and the councilors of Paihuano and other local authorities were in attendance. At the fair local entrepreneurs who promote caring for the environment, as well as other local institutions, were visited by students and residents of the area. NOIRLab astronomer, Roque Ruiz, gave a talk on the protection of the dark sky before the new lights were …

26 Mayo 2023: The NOIRLab Ambassador program, a joint initiative with Vera C. Rubin Observatory Construction, launches today. Its aim is to increase public engagement with NOIRLab and its Programs, including Rubin Observatory, by working together with motivated and enthusiastic volunteers to share our mission and science with new audiences. As a first step, NOIRLab is seeking diverse, personable, creative, and enthusiastic individuals with a range of skills who have an interest in promoting NOIRLab’s scientific discoveries, education initiatives, and activities to the public. This outreach can include social media engagement, online feature writing and image galleries, and in-person presentation to local communities and broader networks. A one-year commitment is expected. Those selected for the Ambassadors program may contribute in a variety of ways, including audiovisual (images and video), music, art (including crafts), education, social media, and advocacy for dark skies. There is no deadline and exceptional candidates will be considered throughout the …

18 Mayo 2023: The G7 Science & Technology Ministers met in Sendai, Japan, over the weekend. Their position on various issues was captured in an official communiqué adopted ahead of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan 19–21 May 2023. The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. “We recognize the importance of continued discussion, in the UN COPUOS and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) frameworks, as well as with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) on the impact of large constellations of satellites on astronomy for the protection of the dark and quiet skies.” — G7 Science and Technology Ministers’ Communique Telescopes operating in the optical, near-infrared, and radio wavelengths are all threatened by the large number of satellites being launched into near-Earth orbit. The IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS), co-hosted by the SKAO and …

17 Marzo 2023: After two consecutive years of virtual activities, AstroDay Chile, organized by NSF’s NOIRLab, returns as an in-person celebration on Friday 24 March, the National Day of Astronomy in Chile, with fun activities for the whole family at the Colegio Seminario Conciliar in La Serena, Chile. AstroDay Chile events start at 3 p.m. CLT and will continue until 9 p.m. CLT, culminating with an open star party when participants will have the chance to observe the wonders of the night sky. During the day, the public will be able to interact with scientists and staff from the various scientific sites in Chile, including the International Gemini Observatory, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Vera C. Rubin Observatory, SOAR Telescope, and Las Campanas Observatory, as well as with representatives of the tourist observatories of Mamalluca, Alfa Aldea, Chakana, Collowara, IntiWasi, Cruz del Sur, and Daniel Verschatse. This year’s event will enable visitors to learn …

13 Marzo 2023: Globe at Night is an international, online, citizen-science campaign run by NSF’s NOIRLab to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure night-sky brightness and submit their observations. Thanks to the collective efforts of more than 250,000 people over 17 years, Globe at Night has gathered extensive data on stellar visibility and expanded our understanding of the impact of light pollution. Today, 13 March, marks the beginning of the next Globe at Night campaign, which will last until 22 March. And the event is being kicked-off with the unveiling of a new website that features a revamped and more streamlined user interface. The interactive data map has also been redesigned to include all submitted data points across current and past years. Using a brand new location search function, users can check how data collection is going in their specific location. The website also provides …

27 Febrero 2023: The proliferation of satellites launched into orbit around the Earth has improved our ability to communicate globally instantaneously; however, there are concerns about the impact these technologies have on astronomical observations and the preservation of dark and quiet skies. At the time of writing there are over 8000 active and defunct satellites orbiting the Earth and this number will continue to grow. As many as 100,000 satellites could be launched in the coming decade. The rapid growth in light pollution, which is only being exacerbated by the new satellites, impacts us all. Many of us have never seen an unobscured night sky and over a third of humanity cannot see the Milky Way. These new satellites are encroaching on the few remaining dark sky reserves and radio-quiet zones. From 6 to 17 February, a delegation from the International Astronomical Union (IAU) attended the 60th Session of the Scientific and Technical …