Summer Stars 2025: Teaching Astronomy with Rubin Observatory

The week-long in-person workshop will take place in Tucson, AZ at the 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 that will be enabled by Rubin Observatory and NOIRLab telescopes. Participants will learn how to implement Rubin and NOIRLab classroom activities that make use of authentic data. The deadline to apply for this workshop is February 23, 2025.

If accepted, participants will pay a registration fee of $400 which covers the cost of housing, most meals, and tours for the week. 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.

Application Requirements: Three of the five workshop days will be at an altitude of 6900 feet. Participants must be able to tolerate walking and working at this altitude. If accepted, participants must agree to attend the workshop in its entirety.

Notifications of application acceptance will be sent by March 10.

For more information, email education@lsst.org.

Workshop Themes

A Digital Window for Discovery with Rubin Observatory

An introduction to how Rubin Observatory will help to answer some of the biggest questions in astronomy and how the Rubin Education Program is designed to bring authentic data into classrooms.

Tools to Explore the Universe

Overviews of the technology and techniques used to collect data and make discoveries by both professional and amateur astronomers.

Astronomy for the Next Generation

Informing and inspiring students with current job opportunities in astronomy and encouraging STEAM careers.