Announcement: Kitt Peak National Observatory

30 September 2024: Join us at the U.S. National Science Foundation Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), a program of NSF NOIRLab, for two unforgettable nighttime experiences brought back by popular demand: the Magnificent Moon Program and the Dark Sky Discovery Program. Located on a sacred Tohono O’odham Nation sky island, KPNO sits high above the Sonoran Desert in a unique mountain environment. Enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky and an intimate connection to nature through the rich flora, fauna, and fascinating geology of the region. Magnificent Moon Program: Embark on a fascinating, guided journey across the lunar surface. Using powerful telescopes, you’ll explore craters, mountains, maria, rilles, and the locations of the Apollo landings sites in incredible detail like you have never seen before. This experience is run on nights of the month that are close to the full Moon, ensuring excellent lunar vistas. This program generally uses the KPVC Roll Off …

9 September 2024: The Visitor Center at the U.S. National Science Foundation Kitt Peak National Observatory is celebrating its 60th anniversary! To help bring news of this momentous occasion to the public, we invite the media to take part in a Media Day at Kitt Peak on Friday 27 September from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Media will have exclusive access to facilities and interviews with the people leading and working at Kitt Peak, as well as representatives of the Tohono O’odham Nation. A common briefing will occur at 10 a.m., which will offer an opportunity to hear and ask questions about the history of the Kitt Peak Visitor Center, the Visitor Center’s strategy in the past and going forward, and the cultural connections that the Tohono O’odham Nation have to the observatory and the mountain. After the briefing participants will branch out to individual experiences and interviews. Throughout the day media will …

26 July 2024: Kitt Peak National Observatory will host a Perseid meteor shower watch party on 11–12 August, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Stand amongst the world-class telescopes that astronomers use to discover our Universe while fiery pieces of cosmic dust streak across the night sky. The Perseids are widely regarded as the most consistent and amazing meteor shower to grace our skies each year. The shower is associated with comet Swift-Tuttle and can produce displays of up to 100 ‘shooting stars’ per hour. And what better location to watch the show than from high in the Quinlan mountains on the Tohono O’odham Nation, beneath the clear skies of the Sonoran Desert? This experience will include a light dinner, after which, weather permitting, there will be guided stargazing, and views of stars, galaxies and more through our Visitor Center 0.5-meter telescope, and also an open area to view the meteor shower with members …

10 July 2024: If you have ever wondered what it’s like to be an astronomer, then put Kitt Peak National Observatory at the top of your destination list this summer. Located on the highest peak of the Quinlan Mountains, an hour southwest of Tucson, Arizona on the Tohono O’odham Nation, the world-class observatory not only offers a pristine view of the night sky, but also a unique nighttime observing program that lets visitors connect with the cosmos like never before. Through Kitt Peak’s custom Overnight Telescope Observing Program, anyone can live like an astronomer for a full night. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind experience are now on sale. Your overnight experience starts when you arrive at the Visitor Center in the late afternoon. Here you will meet your telescope operator who will assist you in getting settled into one of the on-site dormitories. After enjoying dinner, and a telescope becomes available, the night is …

14 May 2024: For many astronomy enthusiasts, few things instill as much excitement as visiting the U.S. National Science Foundation's world-class telescopes and research centers that are part of NSF NOIRLab. From the remote and rugged mountains of Chile to the towering slopes of Maunakea, from the rocky terrain of Kitt Peak to NOIRLab Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, NOIRLab facilities span continents and hemispheres to bring the wonders of the Universe to the public. Getting to these remote locations, however, can be difficult, even for the most adventurous travelers. That is why NOIRLab has brought the experience to you! NOIRLab is proud to announce the launch of Version 2 of its comprehensive virtual tours, loaded with interactive elements that give special behind-the-scenes access to the facilities and diverse communities that make astronomy research possible. The entire suite consists of eight different locations, featuring panoramic images from various areas near the summit and base …

7 May 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 …

18 April 2024: Lori Allen, Mid-Scale Observatories (MSO) Director at NSF NOIRLab, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Election as an AAAS Fellow is an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers. MSO encompasses both Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile and Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. Allen was elected as an AAAS Fellow for “exceptional leadership in advancing ground-based optical-infrared astronomy.” The 2023 Fellows class includes 502 scientists, engineers and innovators across 24 AAAS disciplinary Sections. The newly elected Fellows overwhelmingly represent the fields of biological sciences, chemistry, medical sciences and engineering followed by neuroscience and physics. The new Fellows will each receive a certificate and a gold and blue rosette pin (representing science and engineering, respectively) to commemorate their election and will be celebrated at a forum on 21 September 2024. That evening, AAAS will also celebrate the program's 150th …

22 March 2024: Come join us at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center on 8 April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to view the partial solar eclipse! Located at Kitt Peak National Observatory, a Program of NSF’s NOIRLab, this walk-around style event will give visitors a unique opportunity to watch one of the most exciting astronomical events of the decade from the largest observatory in the country while surrounded by dozens of research-grade telescopes. While we will not be seeing the totality of the eclipse, we will still see 70% of the Sun’s diameter covered by the Moon. Arrive at the Visitor Center any time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to join us in telescope viewing, using special eclipse glasses and more! A light meal is included for anyone attending. The eclipse will begin at 10:05 a.m. MST and will last about 2.5 hours. We recommend arriving at 10 a.m. for the …

14 March 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 March 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 February 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 February 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 …

26 January 2024: We are sorry to pass on the sad news that John Jefferies, former Director of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO, now NSF’s NOIRLab), passed away on the evening of 18 January. He was 98. Jefferies served as NOAO’s first Director beginning in 1984 when Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) and the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) were united into one entity, serving until 1987. Jefferies’ astronomy roots were in solar physics beginning in his native Australia: specifically in developing the physical understanding of solar flares and radio bursts. After a highly productive research career spent both in Australia and various institutions in the continental US, Jefferies went to the University of Hawai‘i in 1964 to start a solar physics program. At that time, Jefferies also submitted a proposal to NASA on behalf of the University of Hawai‘i to build and operate a telescope to support planetary research. After winning …

17 January 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 December 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 October 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 October 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 September 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 August 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 August 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 …