The University of Colorado has been named one of two finalists for the headquarters of the National Solar Observatory, whose mission is to advance knowledge of the sun.
The National Solar Observatory is operated under the auspices of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.
NSO’s goal is study the sun both as an astronomical object and as “the dominant external influence on Earth”.
CU-Boulder Provost Russell Moore said CU is delighted to be named a finalist to host the NSO, which would employ up to 70 scientists, engineers and staff with an annual payroll of approximately $20 million.
He said the NSO is of “great importance to the nation and the world in terms of better understanding solar physics and space weather.
“As one of the world’s leading institutions in solar research, we would have even greater access to ground-based observing facilities and would be able to continue to provide unrivaled opportunities for our students and research scientists alike,” said Moore, who submitted the proposal on behalf of the university.
NSO has key offices or observatories at Tucson and Kitt Peak, Az; and Sacramento Peak, N.M.
NSO is building a 4-meter Advanced Technology Solar Telescope at Haleakala, Maui.
In early 2010, NSO issued a request for proposals to host the new NSO headquarters. Seven organizations from Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana and New Mexico responded.
AURA President William S. Smith, Jr., said that AURA has decided to pursue “advanced negotiations” with CU and the other finalist, the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
“I have asked CU-Boulder and UA-Huntsville to arrange to visit Tucson and Sacramento Peak to discuss with their staff their vision for how they would act as NSO host site,” said Smith. “All staff will have an opportunity to ask questions and become more familiar with what these institutions are offering.”
Smith said a final selection will be made by the end of the year.
Relocations is not expected to begin before 2016.Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.
