# Astrophysics Research Center of the Open University
**Wikidata**: [Q117536118](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117536118)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astrophysics-research-center-of-the-open-university

## Summary
The Astrophysics Research Center of the Open University (ARCO) is a research institute dedicated to astrophysics, located in Ra'anana, Israel. Established in December 2021, it operates as part of the Open University of Israel and is chaired by Saleem Zaroubi.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Astrophysics Research Center of the Open University
- **Abbreviation**: ARCO
- **Type**: Research institute
- **Field of Work**: Astrophysics
- **Parent Organization**: Open University of Israel
- **Location**: Ra'anana, Israel
- **Coordinates**: 32.18848208993657 latitude, 34.88780806391628 longitude
- **Inception**: December 2021
- **Chairperson**: Saleem Zaroubi (as of 2021)
- **Website**: https://www.arco.org.il/
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Hebrew, Wikimedia Commons
- **Commons Category**: Astrophysics Research Center of the Open University

## FAQs

### What is ARCO's relationship to the Open University of Israel?
ARCO is a constituent research center operating under the Open University of Israel. It functions as the university's dedicated institute for astrophysical research.

### Where is the Astrophysics Research Center located?
The center is situated in Ra'anana, Israel, at coordinates 32.18848208993657 latitude and 34.88780806391628 longitude.

### When was ARCO established?
The Astrophysics Research Center was founded in December 2021.

### Who leads the Astrophysics Research Center?
Saleem Zaroubi serves as the chairperson of ARCO, a position held since at least 2021.

## Why It Matters
The Astrophysics Research Center of the Open University represents Israel's commitment to advancing astrophysical research through a dedicated organizational structure. As a research institute, ARCO exists specifically to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation in astrophysics, free from the teaching obligations that typically divide university researchers' attention. By concentrating resources and expertise purely on astrophysical inquiry, the center enables scientists to pursue focused, long-term research in understanding the universe. Its establishment in 2021 signals a recent investment in space sciences within Israel's academic infrastructure.

## Notable For
- Dedicated exclusively to astrophysics research within the Open University of Israel system
- Recent establishment as part of Israel's expanding research infrastructure (2021)
- Led by chairperson Saleem Zaroubi
- Maintains a dedicated web presence and digital infrastructure
- Recognized in Hebrew-language Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons

## Body

### Location and Facilities
ARCO is headquartered in Ra'anana, Israel, a city in the Central District of the country. The precise geographic coordinates of the center are latitude 32.18848208993657 and longitude 34.88780806391628. An image of the ARCO offices is available through Wikimedia Commons, documenting the physical facilities of the research center.

### Organizational Structure
The Astrophysics Research Center operates as a research institute, classified as an organization whose primary purpose is conducting research. Unlike academic departments that balance teaching and research missions, ARCO exists purely to generate new knowledge through systematic astrophysical investigation. The center functions as a sub-unit within the broader Open University of Israel, leveraging the university's infrastructure while maintaining a focused research mission.

### Leadership
Saleem Zaroubi serves as the chairperson of the Astrophysics Research Center. Zaroubi's leadership role was established as of 2021, coinciding with the center's inception.

### Research Focus
ARCO's designated field of work is astrophysics, positioning the center to contribute to humanity's understanding of celestial phenomena, cosmic structures, and the physical properties of the universe. As a dedicated research institute, the center concentrates exclusively on advancing knowledge in this domain.

### Digital Presence
The center maintains an official website at https://www.arco.org.il/, providing public access to information about its activities and research. ARCO has limited Wikipedia coverage, with presence in Hebrew and on Wikimedia Commons, reflecting its recent establishment and regional focus. The center has a dedicated Commons category for media files related to its facilities and activities.

### Historical Context
ARCO was established in December 2021, making it a relatively recent addition to Israel's research landscape. Its creation represents an institutional investment in astrophysical research capabilities within the Open University of Israel's organizational framework.