National Optical Astronomy Observatory Science Research Support

Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy, Inc., Tucson AZ

Investigators

Abstract

The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) is the US center for peer reviewed community access to ground based optical-infrared astronomical observing facilities. A primary goal for NOAO is to maintain a suite of world leading capabilities that allow the community to do research at the highest level. A key aspect to fulfilling this goal is fostering collaborations and research across all of modern astronomy facilities including space based and radio observatories. Modern astronomy has evolved to a panchromatic endeavor that utilizes data obtained from gamma rays to radio waves. NOAO astronomers involved in research collaborations that take advantage of space telescopes (e.g. Hubble, Chandra, and Spitzer) and radio/sub-millimeter telescopes (e.g., VLA and ALMA) enhance the development of NOAO's ground based facilities through complementary observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. Research collaborations with these other facilities ensure NOAO astronomers are engaged in the most relevant areas of study in modern astronomy, and so they maximize the contribution from NOAO's own ground based telescopes to this effort through significant ground based observing programs, technology development, and the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers. This support via interagency transfers from other governmental agencies will provide research support to NOAO scientists. This support will help NOAO carry out its core mission of developing the best ground based facilities for the entire US community.