Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach (WUCAO)

在这个项目中，基特峰国家天文台（KPNO）将把最近退役的麦克马斯-皮尔斯太阳望远镜改造成一个天文学可视化和演示中心。新装修的麦克马斯-皮尔斯设施将与现有的基特峰游客中心（KPVC）完全整合，联合运营将被称为宇宙天文拓展中心之窗。两个天文数据可视化系统——科学在一个球体上（SOS）和GeoDome数字天文馆——以及互动展览和天文教室将被安装。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。在KPNO开发的图像和动画可以与使用SOS和GeoDome的其他设施共享（目前全球超过225个这样的设施）。该项目的目标是发展由KPVC管理的国际天文学推广中心（IAOC），使其成为一个有效的、自我维持的天文学推广中心，并将项目的重点扩大到包括所有nsf支持的天文学。这样一个项目的好处包括：1)大大提高了KPVC的能力，为现场的客人提供更吸引人的天文学体验；2)将范围扩大到那些去基特峰旅行的人之外。该项目提供了一种新的、具有成本效益的模式，将一个过时的科学设施转变为一个自给自足的教育设施，交流现代天文学研究的过程和结果。长期以来对该设施的重大投资将继续产生回报，因为该设施将被保存并改造成一个新的21世纪天文学外展中心，使用基于研究的科学可视化和交流的最佳实践。利用地球上的科学（SOS）和GeoDome数字天文馆平台，基特峰获得了一个功能强大的设施，以新的方式为游客服务，而所有nsf资助的天文设施都通过天文可视化向公众提供新的全球曝光，而无需重大投资。该中心将从美国国家科学基金会资助的全球天文和天体物理设施中获取图像，然后将这些文件转换为数据集，在SOS和GeoDome上展示，并分发到所有配备这些设备的站点以立即显示。这使得现有项目的扩展和增强以及新项目的创建成为可能。KPNO的客人将有一个更广阔的窗口了解现代天文学，地区和部落学校将受益于新的STEM教育经验。美国和其他国家的博物馆和公园的游客将在他们的SOS剧院和GeoDome天文馆看到这个新的、影响深远的设施所创造的天文学成果。最后，这个项目保留了一个古老而标志性的太阳望远镜，尽管它在Daniel K. Inouye太阳望远镜的新功能下黯然失色，但它对公共教育活动很有用。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并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reach beyond those who travel to Kitt Peak.This project provides a new, cost-effective model for conversion of an outdated science facility to a self-supporting educational facility that communicates the process and results of modern astronomical research.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.