Skip to main content
Homepage
Localize site content

Privacy Policy


Information We Collect

In order to understand who uses our online resources and how they are used, when you visit Rubin Observatory’s website or use online applications, we collect basic information such as the date and time, internet protocol (IP) address, information about your web browser and computer (computer type, browser type), the resources you visit on our site, and the amount of data transmitted, etc. We use this information to generate aggregate statistics on the use of our site. We share this aggregate information with NOIRLab, AURA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Some of this aggregate information will be made available to the public. We will not use this information to identify or track usage by individuals, except as necessary to provide user support and maintain our systems. Non-aggregated information is only available to Rubin Observatory and NOIRLab, and to authorized contractors.

We do not sell, rent or exchange this information to anyone outside of Rubin Observatory or NOIRLab. We use this information only for the purpose of understanding how our resources are used and how they may be improved.

Cookies

A “cookie” is a piece of data that our website transfers to your web browser to allow it to remember specific information about your visit. Some Rubin Observatory web pages use cookies. We may use both session and persistent cookies. Session cookies last only as long as your web browser is open. Persistent cookies store information on your computer for longer periods of time. We use cookies to allow better navigation of our pages and to allow you to customize preferences (for example, your preferred language). If you do not want session or persistent cookies to be stored on your computer, you may disable them in your browser. However, this may prevent some Rubin Observatory services from functioning properly.

Information You Supply

Some of our web pages and online applications may ask for personal information such as your email address, postal address, or institutional information. We may also require you to create an account to use some of our resources. We use this information only to provide you with access to the specified service. We may share this information with NOIRLab, NSF and other astronomical institutions.

Creating an account on our site is not the same as creating an account for the Rubin Science Platform and does not grant you access to any Rubin Data Management (DM) data or software. Your identifying information will never be shared with or stored within the Rubin DM System. Access and Use of the Rubin DM System are subject to Rubin DM’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Information You Share

Some of our services (e.g. blogs, wikis) allow you to contribute information which will be seen by other users of those pages, or by the public. This information may be indexed by search engines such as Google or Bing. We encourage you to exercise discretion when you reveal personal information.

Website Tracking and Data Collection

A website analytics application is used to analyze the behavior of Rubin Observatory website visitors. Personal data is not tracked or collected when you use the Rubin website. Rather, the following data is anonymized, preventing Rubin from identifying you: IP address, page URL or titles, User ID, location, heatmaps and session recordings. Additionally, cookie tracking is disabled for this purpose.

Rubin Observatory is not processing personal data from its web visitors and should not be affected by GDPR or similar legislation.

Citizen Science

Participation in citizen science projects is provided through a partnership with Zooniverse and subject to Zooniverse’s User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Any citizen science project results incorporated into the Rubin DM system (e.g. object annotations or classifications) will be the responsibility of the project’s Principal Investigator (PI).

YouTube's API Client Terms of Use

YouTube's Terms of Service

By using Rubin Observatory’s website, you are agreeing to be bound by YouTube's Terms of Service.

API Client's Revocation link

Rubin Observatory’s video administrators can revoke the API Client's access to their data via the Google security settings page.

Monitoring

Rubin Observatory monitors computer and network systems to ensure that our services are available to the intended users. and to identify attempts to deny service or make unauthorized changes. Anyone using our systems expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if monitoring reveals evidence of possible abuse or criminal activity, such evidence may be provided to law enforcement officials. If we see evidence of improper access, we may, without notice, remove access for some or all users in order to further investigate the situation. We will restore the service as quickly as possible and provide the community with information about the situation.

Email Subscriptions

Rubin Observatory maintains lists of subscribers who have asked to receive email updates. A recipient may unsubscribe from future messages via a link at the bottom of each email message. We do not sell, rent, exchange, or otherwise disclose our subscriber lists to persons or organizations outside Rubin Observatory.

Links to External Sites

To provide you with general information, our site contains links to external (non-Rubin Observatory) sites. Such links are subject to the privacy and security policies of the external site and the Rubin Observatory Online Privacy Policy does not apply. We can’t guarantee the accuracy or relevance of information on an external site. A link to an external site is not an endorsement by Rubin Observatory.

Social Media Platforms

Rubin Observatory uses social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to share information, start conversations, and engage our audiences. Rubin Observatory does not own, manage, or control the applications on social websites. Information that you supply to those sites is subject to their privacy and security policies and the Rubin Observatory Online Privacy Policy does not apply.

Data Retention

The information we collect may be retained indefinitely.

Notification

In the event of a breach, or reasonable suspicion of a breach, which allows an unauthorized person to access personally identifiable information, we will inform you as soon as possible. This notice may be sent to you individually, or we may notify you via Rubin Observatory applications or our social media presence.

Accessibility Statement

We work hard to make sure our resources are accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you have any trouble viewing a page using adaptive technology, please contact us.

Disclosure

We will share any information we have, including personal information, with organizations or individuals outside Rubin Observatory and NOIRLab if we believe in good faith that this is reasonably necessary to:

  • Comply with applicable law, regulation or legal process, or enforceable governmental request.

  • Enforce applicable policies, including investigation of potential violations.

  • Detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security, or technical issues.

  • Protect against harm to the rights, property, or safety of Rubin Observatory, our users, or the public as required or permitted by law.

Children and Privacy

We believe in the importance of protecting the privacy of children online and do not knowingly contact or collect personal information from children under the age of 13. Our services are not intended to solicit information of any kind from children under 13. To notify us of our receipt of information from children under 13, please contact us.

Questions

If you have questions about this policy, or you have a privacy concern, please contact us.