🌠 Summer Stars 2026: Teaching Astronomy with Rubin Observatory

Monday–Friday, 13–17 July 2026

NSF NOIRLab, Tucson, AZ 

NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory / NOIRLab welcomes applications for a professional development opportunity for high school and college educators who teach astronomy as part of their courses. The week-long in-person workshop will take place in Tucson, AZ, at NSF NOIRLab Headquarters, with special sessions held at NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory and the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab.

Participants will experience the operations and technology of a modern working observatory and learn about the discoveries enabled by Rubin Observatory and other NOIRLab telescopes. Participants will learn how to implement Rubin and other NOIRLab classroom activities that make use of authentic data. The deadline to apply for this workshop is 15 February, 2026.

Cost: $400* + transportation to and from Tucson, AZ

Participants will pay a registration fee of $400, which covers the cost of up to 6 nights of housing, most meals, workshop materials, and tours. Participants must cover the cost of their transportation to and from Tucson, AZ. 

An optional 4 CEU units (40 professional development contact hours) are available from the University of Arizona for an additional $25.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://noirlab.edu/public/announcements/annee26012/

Ardis Herrold, Senior Education Specialist
NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Tucson, AZ
ardis.herrold@noirlab.edu