Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach (WUCAO)

通过这个项目，基特峰国家天文台（KPNO）将把最近退役的麦克马思-皮尔斯太阳望远镜改造成一个天文可视化和演示中心。 新装修的McMath-Pierce设施将与现有的Kitt Peak游客中心（KPVC）完全整合，合并后的运营将被称为宇宙天文学外展中心的窗口。 将安装两个天文学数据可视化系统-球体上的科学（SOS）和GeoDome数字天文馆-沿着互动展览和天文学教室。 GeoDome和SOS都配备了天文图像，并将其修改为球形或半球形投影。 KPNO开发的图像和动画可以与使用SOS和GeoDome的其他设施（目前全球有225个此类设施）共享。该项目的目标是发展国际天文学外展中心（IAOC），由KPVC管理，作为一个功能，自我维持的天文学外展中心，并扩大计划的重点，包括所有NSF支持的天文学。这样一个项目的好处包括：1）显著提高KPVC的能力，为现场客人提供更吸引人的天文学体验; 2）扩展到Kitt Peak之外的游客。该项目提供了一个新的，具有成本效益的模式，将过时的科学设施转换为自我支持的教育设施，传达现代天文学研究的过程和结果。对该设施的长期重大投资将继续产生回报，因为该设施将得到保护，并利用基于研究的科学可视化和通信最佳实践转变为新的21世纪天文学外展中心。利用Science On A Sphere（SOS）和GeoDome Digital Planetarium平台，Kitt Peak获得了一个功能强大的设施，以新的方式为游客提供服务，而所有NSF资助的天文学设施都通过天文学可视化向公众观众提供新的全球曝光，而无需进行重大投资。该中心将从国家科学基金会资助的地球仪的天文学和天体物理学设施获取图像，然后将这些文件转换成数据集，在SOS和GeoDome上展示，并分发给所有配备这些设备的地点立即展示。 这使得现有方案的重大扩展和增强以及新方案的创建成为可能。KPNO的客人将有一个更广阔的现代天文学窗口，区域和部落学校将受益于新的STEM教育体验。参观美国和其他国家的博物馆和公园的游客将看到在SOS剧院和GeoDome天文馆中展示的这个新的，意义深远的设施中创造的天文学成果。 最后，这个项目保留了一个古老的和标志性的太阳望远镜，虽然它与丹尼尔K的新功能相比黯然失色。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

With this project, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) will transform the recently retired McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope into an astronomy visualization and presentation center. The newly renovated McMath-Pierce facility will be fully integrated with the existing Kitt Peak Visitor Center (KPVC) and the combined operation will be called the Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach. Two astronomy data visualization systems -- Science On A Sphere (SOS) and GeoDome Digital Planetarium -- along with interactive exhibits and an astronomy classroom will be installed. Both GeoDome and SOS are equipped to take astronomical imagery and modify it for spherical or hemispherical projection. The images and animations developed at KPNO can be shared with other facilities employing both SOS and the GeoDome (currently over 225 such facilities worldwide). The goals of this project are to develop the International Astronomy Outreach Center (IAOC), run by KPVC, as a functioning, self-sustaining astronomy outreach center, and expand the focus of the programs to include all NSF-supported astronomy. The benefits of such a program include: 1) significantly improved capability of the KPVC to present more engaging astronomy-based experiences to onsite guests, and 2) extended reach beyond those who travel to Kitt Peak.This project provides a new, cost-effective model for conversion of an outdated science facility to a self-supporting educational facility that communicates the process and results of modern astronomical research. The long history of major investment in the facility will continue to generate returns as the facility is preserved and transformed into a new 21st-century astronomy outreach center using research-based best practices in science visualization and communication. Using the Science On A Sphere (SOS) and GeoDome Digital Planetarium platforms, Kitt Peak gains a highly capable facility to serve its visitors in new ways, while all NSF-funded astronomy facilities gain new global exposure through astronomy visualizations to public audiences without major investments. The Center will acquire imagery from NSF-funded astronomy and astrophysics facilities from around the globe, and then transform those files into data sets for presentation on both SOS and the GeoDome, and for distribution to all so-equipped sites for immediate display. This enables a major expansion and enhancement of existing programs and the creation of new programs. Guests to KPNO will have a wider window on modern astronomy, and regional and Tribal schools will benefit from new STEM education experiences. Visitors to museums and parks elsewhere in the US and other countries will see astronomy results created in this new, far-reaching facility displayed in their SOS theaters and GeoDome planetaria. Finally, this project preserves a venerable and iconic solar telescope, which, although eclipsed by the new capabilities of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, is useful for public education activities.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.