CU-Boulder has announced its selection as a finalist to host the National Solar Observatory headquarters. A team led by Russell Moore, CU-Boulder Provost, and including LASP researchers submitted the bid to serve as the NSO’s new headquarters location.
The NSO’s mission is to advance knowledge of the sun both as an astronomical object and as the dominant external influence on Earth by providing forefront observational opportunities to the research community. The mission includes the operation of cutting-edge facilities and the continued development of advanced instrumentation both in-house and through partnerships, as well as conducting solar research and educational and public outreach. NSO is operated under the auspices of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, or AURA, on behalf of the National Science Foundation, with key observing facilities in New Mexico and Arizona.
“We are delighted to be named a finalist to host the National Solar Observatory, which is of great importance to the nation and world in terms of better understanding solar physics and space weather,” said CU-Boulder Provost Russell Moore, who submitted the proposal on behalf of the university. “As one of the world’s leading institutions in solar research, we would have even greater access to ground-based observing facilities and would be able to continue to provide unrivaled opportunities for our students and research scientists alike.”
CU-Boulder departments and units watching the bid outcome include LASP, JILA, CASA, the astrophysical and planetary sciences department, the physics department, and the aerospace engineering sciences department.
More information
Contacts
CU-Boulder/LASP:
- Mark Rast, LASP scientist: Mark.Rast@colorado.edu
- Stephanie Renfrow, press office: 303-735-5814 or Stephanie.renfrow@lasp.colorado.edu
CU-Boulder:
- Jim Scott, press office: 303-492-3114 or Jim.scott@colorado.edu
