Research
NOIRLab operates five research facilities: Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), Gemini Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), and the Vera C. Rubin Telescope. As the US center for ground-based optical-infrared astronomy, the NOIRLab serves as a focal point for community development of innovative scientific research programs, the exchange of ideas, and domestic and international collaborations.
Our science community is engaged in research on a broad array of science frontiers, including:
- The Solar System and exoplanetary systems;
- Formation of stars and planets, the interstellar medium;
- Stars and stellar evolution;
- Formation and evolution of compact objects, including black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs;
- Resolved stellar populations and their environments;
- Galaxy evolution;
- Cosmology and fundamental physics;
- Multi-Messenger astronomy and astrophysics.
While the laboratory is a community gateway to facilities and datasets throughout the optical-infrared system, it also serves as the focal point for coordinating complementary observations at other wavebands. The laboratory’s capabilities are also fundamental to the NSF multi-messenger astronomy mission, particularly in coordination with gravitational and particle astrophysics facilities.
See the latest news and science results from the laboratory.
See here for the latest news and science results from the laboratory.