# NOIRLab

> United States national center for ground-based astronomy

**Wikidata**: [Q99534494](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q99534494)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOIRLab)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/noirlab

## Summary
NOIRLab is the United States national center for ground-based astronomy, serving as a research institute that operates observatories and conducts astronomical research. It was established as the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory and is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA).

## Key Facts
- **Primary purpose**: Research institute focused on ground-based astronomy
- **Aliases**: National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory
- **Country**: United States
- **Headquarters**: Tucson
- **Operator**: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)
- **Affiliation**: National Science Foundation
- **Replaces**: National Optical Astronomy Observatory
- **Field of work**: Astronomy
- **Logo**: [NOIRLab_logo.svg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/NOIRLab_logo.svg)
- **Website**: [noirlab.edu](https://noirlab.edu/)
- **Social media handles**: Twitter (@NOIRLabAstro), Instagram (@noirlabastro), Facebook (NOIRLabAstro), LinkedIn (noirlab), YouTube (noirlabastro)

## FAQs
### Q: What is NOIRLab’s main role in astronomy?
A: NOIRLab is the United States national center for ground-based astronomy, operating observatories and conducting research in optical and infrared astronomy.

### Q: Who operates NOIRLab?
A: NOIRLab is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) and is affiliated with the National Science Foundation.

### Q: What does NOIRLab replace?
A: NOIRLab succeeded the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, expanding its scope to include infrared astronomy.

### Q: Where is NOIRLab headquartered?
A: NOIRLab’s headquarters are located in Tucson, Arizona.

### Q: How can I follow NOIRLab’s updates?
A: You can follow NOIRLab on Twitter (@NOIRLabAstro), Instagram (@noirlabastro), Facebook (NOIRLabAstro), LinkedIn (noirlab), and YouTube (noirlabastro).

## Why It Matters
NOIRLab plays a crucial role in advancing ground-based astronomy in the United States. As the national center for optical and infrared astronomy, it operates some of the most advanced telescopes and observatories, including the Kitt Peak National Observatory and the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. By providing access to cutting-edge research facilities and conducting groundbreaking astronomical studies, NOIRLab contributes significantly to our understanding of the universe. Its work supports a wide range of scientific discoveries, from studying distant galaxies to exploring nearby planetary systems, and it serves as a vital resource for the global astronomical community.

## Notable For
- **National Center**: Serves as the U.S. national center for ground-based astronomy, coordinating research and observatory operations.
- **Infrared Focus**: Expands beyond optical astronomy to include infrared observations, enhancing its research capabilities.
- **Observatory Operations**: Manages major observatories like Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo, providing access to world-class telescopes.
- **Research Institute**: Functions as a research institute, conducting and supporting astronomical research projects.
- **Public Engagement**: Actively engages the public through social media and educational initiatives, sharing discoveries and advancements.

## Body
### Overview
NOIRLab is the United States national center for ground-based astronomy, operating observatories and conducting research in optical and infrared astronomy. It was established as the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory and is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), with funding from the National Science Foundation.

### History and Replacement
NOIRLab succeeded the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), expanding its scope to include infrared astronomy. The transition was formalized with the establishment of the NOIRLab Management Oversight Council (NMOC) in 2015.

### Operations and Facilities
NOIRLab manages several major observatories, including the Kitt Peak National Observatory and the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. These facilities house some of the most advanced telescopes, such as the 4-meter Mayall Telescope and the 8.1-meter Gemini South Telescope.

### Research and Discoveries
NOIRLab conducts a wide range of astronomical research, from studying distant galaxies to exploring nearby planetary systems. Its work supports scientific discoveries and provides valuable data for the global astronomical community.

### Public Engagement
NOIRLab engages the public through social media platforms, sharing updates, discoveries, and educational content. It maintains active profiles on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, reaching a significant audience.

### Funding and Affiliation
NOIRLab is affiliated with the National Science Foundation and operates under the oversight of the NOIRLab Management Oversight Council. Its charter was established in 2015, outlining its governance and operational framework.

## References

1. GRID Release 2021-03-25
2. Google Knowledge Graph
3. YouTube API
4. ROR Data Dump 8.0 (April 2021)