NOIRLabs

NOIRLab (National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory) is a U.S. national observatory supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and operated under a cooperative agreement by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). Established in 2019, NOIRLab consolidates three major programs previously managed by NSF: the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), and the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). Its primary mission is to enable groundbreaking research in astronomy through advanced optical and infrared facilities.

NOIRLab operates several world-class observatories, including the Gemini Observatory, which consists of twin telescopes—one in Hawaii and the other in Chile—providing access to both hemispheres of the sky. The observatory also manages the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, home to the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope, equipped with the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) for large-scale surveys. The Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona features the Mayall 4-meter Telescope and the 4-meter Nicholas U. Mayall Telescope, along with smaller instruments for research in solar, optical, and infrared astronomy.

In addition to its observatories, NOIRLab supports astronomers through data archives, community programs, and educational outreach. The observatory collaborates with international partners and the broader scientific community to advance astronomical research, including studies of dark energy, galaxy formation, and exoplanets. NOIRLab also plays a key role in developing next-generation technologies and instruments to enhance observational capabilities.

NOIRLab’s facilities are open to astronomers worldwide, fostering global collaboration in astronomy. By providing access to cutting-edge telescopes and resources, the organization contributes significantly to discoveries that expand our understanding of the universe. Its work aligns with broader efforts to promote scientific innovation and public engagement in astronomy.