Upcoming Events

2 December 2024

Professional Development Opportunities

5 December, Astronomy Modeling with Rubin Observatory

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MST
Location: Online 
Description: NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory has developed a suite of free classroom-ready investigations (and support materials such as phenomena and assessments) that use authentic data to explore common astronomy topics. These may be integrated into American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA) Astronomy Modeling units and provide multiple opportunities for deep dives into making sense of data. In this session, you will explore Surveying the Solar System, in which students develop a model of a set of newly discovered Solar System objects by analyzing their orbital properties. Register here.

Community Events

Hawai‘i

8 December, Makahiki Stargazing

Location: Pōkaʻi Bay, Waianae, HI
Time: 3:00 pm HST
Description: Gemini/NOIRLab is partnering with ʻOhana Kilo Hōkū and the Royal Order of Kamehameha to offer stargazing during the season of Makahiki at Pōkaʻi Bay. Attendees will enjoy makahiki games, a traditional ceremony for welcoming the seasonal shift, and stargazing and storytelling from a navigational heiau.

23 & 24 December, Garden Enchantment

Location: Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Hilo, HI
Time: 6:00 pm HST
Description: Enjoy the holidays with ʻohana at the annual Garden Enchantment at Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo, Hawaiʻi hosted by the Friends of Liliʻuokalani Gardens. Maunakea Observatories (MKO) and other community partners will light up and decorate different areas of the park for visitors to enjoy the nighttime views. MKO will also host telescopes for stargazing and free goodie bags on a first come first serve basis. We hope to see you there!

Visit Us!

We welcome you to visit NSF NOIRLab’s state-of-the-art facilities in the U.S. and Chile to explore firsthand the locations of modern astronomical discovery. We offer regularly scheduled tours of both our summit and base locations for public visits. Whether touring the powerful telescopes or learning about the latest discoveries at our base facilities, NSF NOIRLab offers an unforgettable experience for anyone curious about the cosmos! Book your tour today or learn more here.

Can’t make it to one of our facilities? Check out our virtual tours!