NOIRLab - The IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark & Quiet Sky

The IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark & Quiet Sky From Satellite Constellation Interference The advent of satellite constellations has proven challenging for optical and radio astronomers. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) recently announced the formation of the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference. This podcast discusses the founding of the center and its mission.    Bios: Rob Sparks is in the Communications, Education and Engagement group at NSF’s NOIRLab.   Connie Walker is Head of the Office of Observatory Site Protection at NSF’s NOIRLab and recently became co-director of the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the protection of the dark and quiet sky from satellite constellation interference. She has been involved in leadership roles at a few international organizations to protect dark skies from ground-based and space based light pollution through citizen-science campaigns, educational kits & programs, UN international years, UN committee presentations, workshops, boards of directors, committees and now a Centre.   Piero Benvenuti is Professor Emeritus of Astrophysics at the University of Padova and has been recently appointed Director of the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the protection of the dark and quiet sky from satellite constellation interference. He has been employed by the European Space Agency as IAU Observatory Controller and as Head of the Space Telescope European Coordinating Facility. In Italy, he has been President of the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) and Commissioner of the Italian Space Agency. He has been the IAU General Secretary for the triennium 2015-18.   Federico Di Vruno is the Spectrum Manager at the SKA Observatory and the other co-Director of the Centre (alongside Connie). He works on the protection of the access to the radio spectrum for scientific use. Federico has experience participating in international multilateral forums such as ITU-R study groups and the ITU World Radio Conference representing SKAO. Recently, he formed part of the SKAO delegation in UN COPUOS.    We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at [email protected].