The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of universities and other institutions that operates astronomical observatories and telescopes.
Founded October 10, 1957, with the encouragement of the National Science Foundation (NSF), AURA was incorporated by a group of seven U.S. universities: California, Chicago, Harvard, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. The first meeting of the Board of Directors took place in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Today, AURA has 47 member institutions in the United States and 3 international affiliate members.
AURA began as a small organization dedicated to ground-based optical astronomy, managing a range of 1- to 4-meter telescopes and providing community advocacy for optical/infrared astronomy. Over the years, AURA expanded its focus to include Solar Astronomy and the Gemini 8-meter telescopes, going on to partner with other consortia such as WIYN (Wisconsin Indiana Yale & NOAO) and SOAR (Southern Astrophysical Research). In the 1980s, AURA took on the management of the Space Telescope Science Institute, opening up the ultraviolet, optical, and infrared wavelength bands in space with the Hubble Space Telescope. AURA is furthering its aims in infrared space astronomy through the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
AURA is responsible for the successful management and operation of its three centers: NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory; the National Solar Observatory (NSO); and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI).
Centers
Gemini Observatory managed by AURA for an international partnership to operate twin telescopes, one on Mauna Kea in Hawaii and the other on Cerro Pachon in Chile.
The Vera C.Rubin Observatory is a public-private partnership to operate an 8.4-meter telescope on Chile’s Cerro Pachon.
NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NSF’s OIR Lab) - AURA operates telescopes at Kitt Peak in Arizona and Cerro Tololo in Chile.
National Solar Observatory (NSO) - AURA operates NSO conducting research at Sacramento Peak in New Mexico and at Kitt Peak in Arizona.
Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) - AURA manages STScI for NASA to carry out the scientific mission of the Hubble Space Telescope and to develop the operations of the James Webb Space Telescope.
President
President: Dr. Matt Mountain
Dr. Mountain was appointed President of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) 1 March 2015.[1] The President, as the chief executive officer, serves as the primary representative or spokesperson for AURA. The President is a member of the Board of Directors and implements policy decisions of the Board. The President serves the Board of Directors as its principal executive officer, providing leadership and guidance on policy matters, coordinating the activities of the Board and its various committees. The President is also responsible for maintaining effective working relationships with AURA Member Universities.
AURA Board of Directors
The Board, which meets quarterly, establishes the policies of AURA, approves its budget, elects members of the Management Councils, and appoints the President, the Center Directors, and other principal officers. The Board of Directors is responsible to the Member Representatives for the effective management of AURA and the achievement of its purposes.
Members
Today, there are 47 U.S. Member Institutions and 3 International Affiliate Members which comprise the Member Institutions of AURA. The President of each Member Institution designates a Member Representative who has a voice in AURA matters. Together, the Member Representatives act upon membership applications.
Honours
The asteroid 19912 Aurapenenta was named in honour of the association's fiftieth anniversary, on 1 June 2007.†
References
"AURA Announces Selection of New AURA President". AURA News. 24 November 2014. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
Literature
Frank K. Edmondson. AURA and Its US National Observatories. — Cambridge University Press, 1997. — 367 p. — ISBN 9780521553452. — ISBN 0521553458.
Hellenica World - Scientific Library
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