tailieunhanh - The Armagh Observatory Business Plan 2012/2013

The Observatory carries out front-line astronomical research in three key areas of astrophysics, namely: Solar-System Science, Solar Physics, and Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics. Solar-System research en- compasses the dynamical structure, evolution and origin of objects in the inner and outer solar system and comparative planetology and meteor physics. Solar research uses data from spacecraft such as SoHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), Hinode, Stereo and SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory), and from ground-based facilities such as the Dunn Solar Telescope at Sacramento Peak Observatory and the New Solar Telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory, to study fundamental questions such as how the Sun's outer atmosphere is heated, what drives. | The Armagh Observatory Business Plan 2012 2013 Business Plan for Period 2012 April 1 to 2013 March 31 Prepared by the Director . Bailey 2012 June 4 Contents 0 Executive Summary ii 1 Organization and Funding 1 Research Environment. 1 Principal Research Themes. 2 Computer Facilities . 2 Library and Archives. 2 International Standing. 3 Science in the Community. 3 Key Audiences and Outputs. 3 Learning and Education. 5 2 Performance 7 Business Plan Outturn for 2011 2012 . 7 Performance Monitoring. 7 3 Operational Plan 10 2012 2013 Business-Plan Objectives. 10 Key Performance Indicators and SMART Targets for 2012 2013 . 10 Required Resources and Budget . 10 A Alignment of Armagh Observatory and NI Government Objectives 14 Astronomy in Society . 14 Alignment with the NI Museums Policy Goals and Objectives. 14 Introduction . 15 Strategic Priorities . 15 Alignment with the NI Programme for Government Goals and Objectives. 16 B Remarks on Performance Indicators 18 i 0 Executive Summary This Business Plan shows how astronomers at the Armagh Observatory will deliver on the Observatory s key business areas in support of the Northern Ireland Executive s Programme for Government the cross-cutting STEM Strategy and key actions and objectives of its sponsor government department the Northern Ireland Department of Culture Arts and Leisure DCAL . First we provide an introduction to the organization and the principal research themes in astronomy and related sciences addressed by staff in the Observatory and their international partners. The Observatory has a high-quality computing infrastructure and a library archives and astronomical museum collection that is one of the premier specialist collections of its kind in the UK and Ireland. The Observatory s principal function is to carry out international-quality research in astronomy and related sciences in order to expand our understanding of the