Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered that some of the most massive stars in our galaxy are emitting unbelievably tiny grains of carbon dust—dust that one day could form future stars and planets.
Recent News
ALMA Creates Largest-Ever Image of the Milky Way’s Core
The new survey—known as the ALMA CMZ Exploration Survey (ACES)—maps more than 650 light-years across the Central Molecular Zone, the extreme environment that surrounds our galaxy’s supermassive black hole.
Mission Patagonia Welcomes Its 2026 Nature Guardians
A small cohort of educators, scientists and environmental leaders will embark March 3-14 to the southern edge of the world for Mission Patagonia, an immersive outdoor environmental education experience designed to foster deep connection to place, people and planet.
AUI to Attend AAS 247 Conference
Image credit: NSF/ AUI/ NRAO
AUI will attend the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in Pheonix from Jan. 4-8, 2026. Staff will deliver five presentations. The full schedule is as follows:
Monday, January 5, 2026 | 9-10 AM MT
Title: Joining ASTRO ACCEL: A Global Network Accelerating Research and Practice in Astronomy Education, Engagement, Communications, and Culture
Type: iPoster
Location:
Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B/C/D
Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B/C/D
Monday, January 5, 2026 | 10-10:20 AM MT
Title: The North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development: Reflections on Its First Five Years
Type: Historical Astronomy Division (HAD)
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 221 B
Monday, January 5, 2026 | 2:30-2:40 PM MT
Title: Cosmovisions International Network (CIN)
Type: Oral
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 227 B
Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 9-10 AM MT
Poster Title: Change Agents Connecting Through ACEAP
Type: iPoster
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B/C/D
Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 9-10 AM MT
Poster Title: Traceable Impacts of the 2024/2025 Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassador Program (ACEAP)
Type: iPoster
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B/C/D
Please note: locations and times are subject to change. Refer to the official AAS block schedule for the latest information.
Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the AUI booth (415) in the exhibit hall to learn about the latest discoveries and initiatives at AUI and its managed facilities.
AUI is a proud sponsor of the 247th AAS meeting.
Recent News
A Quintillion-to-One: Giant Stars, Tiny Dust
Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered that some of the most massive stars in our galaxy are emitting unbelievably tiny grains of carbon dust—dust that one day could form future stars and planets.
ALMA Creates Largest-Ever Image of the Milky Way’s Core
The new survey—known as the ALMA CMZ Exploration Survey (ACES)—maps more than 650 light-years across the Central Molecular Zone, the extreme environment that surrounds our galaxy’s supermassive black hole.
Mission Patagonia Welcomes Its 2026 Nature Guardians
A small cohort of educators, scientists and environmental leaders will embark March 3-14 to the southern edge of the world for Mission Patagonia, an immersive outdoor environmental education experience designed to foster deep connection to place, people and planet.