Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
Washington, United States1700 employees The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a nonprofit consortium established in 1957, comprising 47-51 U.S. member institutions and 2-4 international affiliates. AURA manages and operates premier astronomical observatories and facilities for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA. Its mission focuses on advancing research, promoting public understanding of the universe, and supporting educational outreach and diversity. AURA oversees three main centers: the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), the National Solar Observatory (NSO), and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). These centers facilitate groundbreaking research in optical, infrared, and solar astronomy, as well as space-based operations with the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. AURA provides observational facilities, data resources, and community programs to enhance access to astrophysics research and foster collaboration within the scientific community.
