Astronomy Picture of the Day has been honored by the International Astronomical Union in the organization's inaugural round of outreach prizes. The website, created and run by Goddard’s Jerry Bonnell and Robert Nemiroff at Michigan Technological University, has served up daily astronomical images for 27 years, is available in 20 languages, and is seen by millions throughout the world. The award will be presented at the IAU General Assembly in Busan, South Korea, in August.
The Instrument Development Group designs, develops, and assesses the scientific quality of high-performance instrumentation for observing at wavelengths from submillimeter to gamma rays as well as cosmic rays and gravitational waves. The instrumentation is flown on satellites, rockets, balloons, and aircraft, and is tested in ground-based applications. Services provided to the Astrophysics Science Division include:
Oversee the development and operation of laboratory equipment required to develop and calibrate astrophysical instruments.
Design, develop, and test advanced detectors and electronic and optical-mechanical instrumentation.
Determine requirements for and monitor performance of all contracts for electrical, mechanical and technician engineering support services.
