The Automation Village Spotlight: NSF’s NOIRLab

About NSF’s NOIRLab:

NSF’s NOIRLab (formally named the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory) is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. 

Through its five programs — Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), Gemini ObservatoryKitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory once operational — NOIRLab serves as a focal point for community development of innovative scientific programs, the exchange of ideas, and creative development. The lab’s infrastructure enables the astronomy community to advance humanity’s understanding of the Universe by exploring significant areas of astrophysics, including dark energy and dark matter, galaxies and quasars, the Milky Way, exoplanets, and small bodies in our own Solar System.

About Paul Collins – Electrical Supervisor:

From a small town in Virginia, Cape Charles, Paul is an electrician by trade, with 47 years experience. He is a self taught PLC programmer! Paul had been working on the Gemini Telescopes since 1996. and has been living in Chile since 1998. He even designed and built his own house!  

Events:

  • Season 2, Episode 2– February 25, 2021
    VTScada in use at the Gemini South Telescope

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