NOIRLab

NOIRLab, the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory, is a United States National Science Foundation (NSF) federally funded research and development center. Established in 2019, NOIRLab is the premier US center for ground-based optical and infrared astronomy. It operates a suite of world-class observatories and manages various astronomical facilities.

The primary mission of NOIRLab is to provide cutting-edge astronomical research capabilities to the scientific community. This includes operating and maintaining telescopes, developing advanced instrumentation, and conducting research in a wide range of astronomical fields. NOIRLab also plays a crucial role in public outreach and education, aiming to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of astronomy.

NOIRLab's facilities are located in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to maximize astronomical observing opportunities. Key observatories under its management include Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona and Gemini Observatory, which has facilities in both Hawaii and Chile. NOIRLab also plays a significant role in the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the upcoming Giant Magellan Telescope. Through these resources, NOIRLab enables groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as exoplanets, cosmology, and the study of galaxies.