The National Optical Astronomy Observatory ( Eng. National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) ) is an American national observatory for terrestrial night optical , ultraviolet and infrared astronomy . The National Science Foundation ( NSF ) funds NOAO to provide advanced astronomical research facilities for American astronomers. However, professional astronomers from any country in the world can apply for the use of NOAO telescopes according to the NSF open sky policy. Astronomers are applying for peer review to access telescopes that operate on a schedule every day all year round except for Christmas and New Year's Eve. The combination of truly open access and merit-based scientific application process makes NOAO a unique observatory in the world.
The headquarters of the observatory is in Tucson , Arizona , and the headquarters of the is located there.
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NOAO telescopes
NOAO works with world-class research telescopes in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. These telescopes are located in Kitt Peak, Arizona, USA, and in Cerro Tololo, Chile. Complemented with the necessary astronomical instruments, two sites allow astronomers to make observations across the sky. Instruments include optical to short infrared waves (0.4 to 5 micrometers) cameras and spectrometers .
Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
WIYN Observatory
Links
noao.edu - official site of the National Observatory of Optical Astronomy