What Does National Solar Observatory Do?

Total employees135
HeadquartersBoulder
FoundedN/A

The National Solar Observatory (NSO) is the United States' national center for ground-based solar physics. Its mission is to advance knowledge of the Sun, both as an astronomical object and as the dominant external influence on Earth, by providing forefront observational opportunities to the scientific community. NSO operates state-of-the-art facilities, including the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) on Maui, Hawai'i, and supports a vibrant research community focused on understanding the Sun's complex magnetic activity and its impact on space weather.

Where Is National Solar Observatory's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the NSO Directorate, providing scientific leadership, administrative oversight, data management (NSO Integrated Synoptic Program - NISP), engineering support, and a base for resident scientific staff.

Notable Features:

Co-located with the University of Colorado Boulder's East Campus, fostering collaborations with CU's solar and space physics programs and other research institutions like NOAA and LASP. Modern facility designed to support NSO's scientific, technical, and administrative functions.

Work Culture:

A collaborative, research-intensive environment focused on advancing solar science. Emphasizes teamwork among scientists, engineers, and technical staff, with strong ties to the academic community and a mission-driven approach to scientific discovery.

HQ Significance:

Centralizes NSO's strategic direction, supports its distributed observing facilities, and acts as a key node for the national and international solar physics community. Enhances collaboration and innovation in solar research.

Values Reflected in HQ: Commitment to scientific excellence, cutting-edge research, open data access, collaboration with the broader scientific community, and education in solar physics.

Location:

NSO supports a global scientific community by providing open access to its cutting-edge solar data and facilities, including the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope. It fosters international collaborations on solar physics research, instrument development, telescope operations, and data analysis, contributing to a worldwide understanding of the Sun and its impact on Earth. DKIST itself is an international endeavor with contributions from various partners and serves a worldwide user base.

Street Address:

3665 Discovery Drive

City:

Boulder

State/Province:

Colorado

Country:

USA

Where Else Does National Solar Observatory Operate Around the World?

Haleakalā, Maui, Hawaii, USA

Address: Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, Haleakalā Observatories, Maui, HI 96768

Location chosen for its exceptionally clear skies, stable atmosphere, and high altitude, providing optimal conditions for ground-based solar observations and minimizing atmospheric distortion.

Sunspot, New Mexico, USA

Address: National Solar Observatory, Sacramento Peak, Sunspot, NM 88349

Historically chosen for its excellent daytime seeing conditions and high number of clear days, making it a prime location for solar astronomy for many decades.

Hilo, Hawaii, USA

Address: NSO DKIST Data Center, 425 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

Serves as a crucial hub for data management and scientific support for the DKIST facility, facilitating access for the global scientific community.

Buying Intent Signals for National Solar Observatory

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
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*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading National Solar Observatory? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, National Solar Observatory' leadership includes:

Dr. Valentin Martínez Pillet - Director
Dr. Thomas R. Rimmele - Associate Director, Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope Director
Dr. Mark Komsa - Associate Director for Operations
Dr. Alexandra Tritschler - Associate Director, Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope Programmatic Contracts
Dr. Carrie Black - Associate Director for NSO Integrated Synoptic Program (NISP)
Mr. Rex Hunter - Acting Associate Director for Administration

Who's Investing in National Solar Observatory?

National Solar Observatory has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) (Managing Organization)

What Leadership Changes Has National Solar Observatory Seen Recently?

Hire1
Exits1

In the past year, NSO saw a key transition in its operations leadership, with Mark Komsa succeeding Joseph McMullin as Associate Director for Operations. Additionally, the role of Associate Director for Administration is currently filled on an acting basis.

Departures

Joseph McMullin, Joseph McMullin retired as Associate Director for Operations and DKIST Program Manager.

New Appointments:

Mark Komsa, Mark Komsa appointed as new Associate Director for Operations.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byNational Solar Observatory?

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National Solar Observatory Email Formats and Examples

The National Solar Observatory primarily uses the nso.edu domain for its email communications. The most common format appears to be the first initial followed by the last name.

[first_initial][last]@nso.edu

Format

vmpillet@nso.edu

Example

95%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About National Solar Observatory?

nso.eduMay 21, 2024

National Solar Observatory News: NSF’s DKIST Captures the Sun’s Smallest Features in Unprecedented Detail

The National Science Foundation’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) has released new images showcasing its ability to resolve the smallest features ever observed on the Sun, pushing the boundaries of solar physics....more

nso.eduApril 2, 2024

National Solar Observatory News: NSO Scientist Dr. Tetsu Anan Receives Prestigious AAS Early Career Award

Dr. Tetsu Anan, a scientist at the National Solar Observatory, has been honored with the Karen Harvey Prize from the American Astronomical Society's Solar Physics Division for his significant early career contributions to the study of solar magnetism....more

nso.eduFebruary 27, 2024

National Solar Observatory News: NSF’s DKIST Reveals Dynamic Structures in the Sun’s Corona During Annular Solar Eclipse

Observations from NSF's DKIST during the October 2023 annular solar eclipse have provided new insights into the complex and dynamic structures within the Sun's corona, the outermost part of its atmosphere....more

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