Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, known as AURA, is a prominent consortium of educational and research institutions that operates astronomical observatories. The organization manages major research facilities on behalf of the National Science Foundation and NASA, including NSF NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the Space Telescope Science Institute. By building and operating large optical and solar telescopes, AURA advances fundamental astrophysical discovery for the global scientific community.