NOAO

National Optical Astronomy Observatory operates as a United States national research and development center for ground-based night time astronomy. It is focused on providing public access to qualified professional researchers to forefront scientific capabilities on telescopes operated by NOAO as well as other optical and infrared telescopes. Currently, NOAO is participating in the development of telescopes with aperture sizes of 20-m and larger as well as an 8-m telescope. NOAO is also engaged ... in programs to develop the next generation of instruments and software tools necessary to enable exploration and investigation through the observable universe, from planets orbiting other stars to the most distant galaxies in the universe. The company was founded in 1982 and is based in Tucson, Arizona. National Optical Astronomy Observatory operates as a subsidiary of Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.More