NOAO > About NOAO
NOAO > About NOAO |
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The National Optical Astronomy Observatory was formed in 1982 to consolidate all AURA-managed ground-based astronomical observatories (Kitt Peak National Observatory, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, and the National Solar Observatory with facilities at Sacramento Peak, New Mexico and Kitt Peak, Arizona) under a single Director. Today, the National Solar Observatory has its own director. NOAO also represents the US astronomical community in the International Gemini Project through its new NOAO Gemini Science Center.
NOAO's purpose is to provide the best ground-based astronomical telescopes to the nation's astronomers, to promote public understanding and support of science, and to help advance all aspects of US astronomy. As a national facility, NOAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional affiliation.
NOAO is funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. NOAO has its headquarters in Tucson, AZ.
Read some answers to NOAO Frequently Asked Questions. We also have an FAQ about Astronomy.
Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) has its headquarters in Tucson and operates the Mayall 4-meter, the 3.5-meter WIYN , the 2.1-meter and Coudé Feed, and the 0.9-meter telescopes on Kitt Peak Mountain, about 55 miles southwest of the city.
You can take a Virtual Tour of Kitt Peak National Observatory and read answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about KPNO including a brief history of Kitt Peak.
The Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) is located in northern Chile. CTIO operates the 4-meter, 1.5-meter, 0.9-meter, and Curtis Schmidt telescopes at this site.
The National Solar Observatory (NSO) has its primary headquarters in Tucson. NSO telescopes on Kitt Peak include the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope Facility containing the world's three largest solar telescopes (1.6-meter main and two 0.9-meter auxiliaries), along with the Vacuum Telescope and the Razdow small solar patrol telescope. The National Solar Observatory also operates telescopes at Sacramento Peak, New Mexico, that include the Vacuum Tower Telescope, the Evans Solar Facility, and the Hilltop Dome Facility.
We also maintain a Resource List about the Sun. And you can Ask Mr. Sunspot a question about the sun.
The NOAO Gemini Science Center (NGSC) at NOAO is the gateway for the U.S. astronomical community to the International Gemini Project: twin 8.1 meter telescopes in Hawaii and Chile that provide unprecendented coverage (northern and southern skies) and details of our universe.
Take a virtual tour of the Gemini North facilities.
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NOAO is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), Inc. under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. Last updated 13 June, 2003. |
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NOAO > About NOAO |
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