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

<p class="p1"><strong><em>The IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark & Quiet Sky From Satellite Constellation Interference</em></strong></p> <p class="p2">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.<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p3"> </p> <p class="p2"><strong>Bios:</strong> <span class="s1">Rob Sparks</span> is in the Communications, Education and Engagement group at NSF’s NOIRLab.</p> <p class="p3"> </p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Connie Walker</span> 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.</p> <p class="p3"> </p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Piero Benvenuti</span> 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.</p> <p class="p3"> </p>