New Mexico State University
Department of Astronomy

Values Statement

The NMSU Department of Astronomy values a welcoming professional work environment, free from any and all discrimination and harassment, to all who are interested in learning about the Universe. We value a set of diverse perspectives and backgrounds in promoting this environment in all our undergraduate classes, graduate classes, and all professional work settings. As a member organization of the American Astronomical Society, our department strictly adheres to their Code of Ethics and we hold all our faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students to these high standards.

Welcome to the Department of Astronomy!

The NMSU Department of Astronomy strives to develop and communicate the human endeavor to understand the Universe. We accomplish this through continuing development of knowledge in our research program, as well as through our graduate and undergraduate course offerings. Our graduate program provides students the opportunity to become deeply involved in research, and educates students in skills that are useful for a variety of careers. Our undergraduate program educates students in critical thinking in the context of concepts in astronomy. The Department provides outreach to the community to spread knowledge and understanding.

The Department operates the Apache Point Observatory on behalf of the Astrophysical Research Consortium, as well as the Dunn Solar Telescope and Visitor Center at the Sunspot Solar Observatory. The Department also hosts the NASA Planetary Data System Atmosphere Node.