About Us
Message
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) is a world-class astronomical research facility. It is an eye that views the Universe, that is to say, it is working to solve the mysteries of the Universe using astronomical telescopes, radio telescopes, telescopes that capture gravitational waves, and X-ray telescopes mounted on satellites, as well as supercomputers for conducting theoretical research. The mission of the Public Relations Center (PRC) is to provide the public with easy-to-understand information from the frontiers of this lively astronomical research.
The PRC strives every day to serve as a “window to the Universe,” providing not only information on new discoveries and the latest research results, but also information closely related to daily life such as calendrical calculations including the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, and sunrise and sunset times; as well as information about astronomical events that everyone can enjoy, such as solar eclipses and comets. We aim to make everyone feel that “astronomy is really interesting” by providing quality scientific information through our public visits areas open daily free of charge, informative web pages, videos, and printed materials.
Director of the Public Relations Center: Junichi Watanabe
History
| 1994 | Public Information Office founded |
| 1995 | NAOJ website launched |
| April 1996 | Stargazing parties using the 50-cm Telescope for Public Outreach started |
| June 1998 | Public Information Office, New Objects Information Office, and Ephemeris Computation Office combined to form the Public Relations Center |
| July 2000 | Mitaka Campus Visitors’ Area opened |
| April 2004 | Library Unit and Public Relations Unit added to the Public Relations Center |
| 2011 | Repsold Transit Instrument registered as an important cultural property |
| 2014 | Office for Astronomy Outreach added to the Public Relations Center |
| April 2019 | Spectrum Management Office added to the Public Relations Center |
| April 2020 | Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory added to the Public Relations Center |
| April 2022 | Time Keeping Office added to the Public Relations Center |
| November 2024 | Office of Historical Archives added to the Public Relations Center |
Public Relations Office
“A New View of the Universe” at Your Finger Tips
Head: Hitoshi Yamaoka
“A New View of the Universe” at Your Finger Tips
There are probably people who, when they hear the word “astronomy,” think it has nothing to do with them.
But that’s not the case.
While walking a moonlit road at night, you might ponder how the Moon was formed long ago. Eventually, all the stars that emit light die, and the records of these giant explosions are preserved in the documents studied in classical literature classes. The topic of astronomy crops up in an array of places.
The Public Relations Office delivers the latest research results obtained at NAOJ observational and research facilities, as well as various topics related to astronomy, to everyone in an easy-to-understand format. We employ dynamic media, namely: press releases, web releases, email news, and social media. We also conduct the production of explanatory videos, live-relays of lectures, and a variety of other events and information distribution in cooperation with the Outreach and Education Office and the Publications Office.
The goal of the Public Relations Office is to connect you to Astronomy.
Head of the Public Relations Office: Hitoshi Yamaoka
Activities
Internet Information Distribution
We manage the NAOJ website and continue stable, regular information-distribution. We also issue email magazines from time to time.
Press Releases
We release press releases and hold press conferences regarding NAOJ research results, etc.
Internet Live-Relays, Video Production
We broadcast lectures and notable heavenly phenomena, such as solar and lunar eclipses, live via the internet. We also produce videos.
Citizen Astronomy
By using data obtained from the observation facilities of NAOJ, such as the Subaru Telescope, we aim to bridge the gap between the public and researchers through research projects in which citizens can participate.
International Outreach
We disseminate information through press releases in English, and host booths at international meetings to build relationships with overseas journalists.
Outreach and Education Office
Making Astronomy Accessible to Everyone
Head: Hidehiko Agata
Making Astronomy Accessible to Everyone
Astronomy is one of the oldest disciplines and is sometimes referred to as “a science for everyone.” The Outreach and Education Office engages in astronomy outreach and education in cooperation with partners and interested parties both inside and outside NAOJ.
The matters we handle include: (1) managing public visits to Mitaka Campus (including regular stargazing parties and 4D2U Dome Theater screenings); (2) providing reference services, such as through the telephone inquiries line; (3) leading outreach initiatives going out to towns and schools; (4) organizing nationwide campaigns in cooperation with other astronomy and space-related organizations and; (5) independently developing and distributing posters, astronomy-related products, movies, and software, in addition to conducting activities to make NAOJ more widely known as an open research institute.
We aim to make astronomy accessible to everyone through communication designed to meet the needs of different audiences, in order to make each and every person happy through astronomy and education.
Head of the Outreach and Education Office: Hidehiko Agata
Activities
Department of Public Visits
The Outreach and Education Office conducts tours and special events at Mitaka Campus, which is the open research facility where the headquarters of NAOJ is located. See more
Public Visits
At NAOJ Mitaka Campus there are exhibition rooms open to the public to display the latest research and preserved observational instruments. Group tours are also offered.
4D2U Dome Theater Screenings (Japanese only)
We conduct screenings at the “4D2U Dome Theater,” where all-sky images envisioning the structure and evolution of the Universe based on the latest observational data and theoretical research results are projected on the dome screen.
Regular Stargazing Parties
We hold regular stargazing parties (fixed capacity reservation system) in urban areas where the city lights hide the night sky, to look up at the Universe overhead and experience the appeal and wonder of astronomy.
Events related to Cultural Properties
We conduct tours of the historical cultural-property facilities preserved in Mitaka Campus.
Inquires Department
The Outreach and Education Office answers questions related to astronomy and space from everyone, offering information to strengthen interest and understanding in astronomy. See more
Frequently Asked Questions (Japanese only)
This website offers answers to questions about first and foremost the Sun and Moon, but also covering all of the Universe, astronomy, the calendar, and NAOJ.
Astronomy Inquiries Telephone Service (Japanese only)
Questions about astronomical phenomena and the calendar that can’t be resolved through the “Frequently Asked Questions,” as well as other astronomy questions are answered via telephone or letters.
Department of Events and Education
The Outreach and Education Office plans and carries out a wide range of events for the purposes of astronomy outreach and education. See more
Mitaka Open House Day (Japanese only)
This department conducts the overall organization for the Mitaka Open House Day, a special public event carried out by NAOJ; the Institute of Astronomy, the University of Tokyo; the Astrobiology Center; and the Astronomical Science Program, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI.
Nationwide
This department implements nationwide outreach and education events from NAOJ Mitaka Campus.
Fureai (Friendly) Astronomy (Japanese only)
Since 2010, we have conducted this program for NAOJ astronomers to visit elementary and junior-high schools across Japan and conduct classes.
Local Scale
We conduct outreach and education events in cooperation with NAOJ Mitaka Campus, City Hall, and related organizations.
Department of Content Development
In the Outreach and Education Office, we publish web content, including introductions of the outreach and education activities occurring in each department and reference material for enrich the experience and understanding of astronomical phenomena. We also work on producing printed matter, teaching materials, etc. See more
Astronomical Events Information (Japanese only)
We compile and publish the “Astronomical Events Information” which lists astronomical phenomena every for each month and explains viewing methods.
General Education (Makali`i)
We offer Makali`i, educational use data reduction software for FITS images obtained by researchers, free of charge.
U Chu Zu “Diagram of the Universe” One for Every Home
We have made available on the internet the series of science posters marketed by the Japan Foundation of Public Communication on Science and Technology, which includes the NAOJ project “U Chu Zu.”
NAOJ Telescope Kit
We produce and sell telescope kits produced by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), aiming for both performance and low cost that can be used in educational settings.
Spectrum Management Office
Protection of the Environment for Radio Astronomy Observations
Head: Masaaki Hiramatsu
Protecting the Environment for Astronomy Observations
Astronomy seeks to understand the characteristics of celestial bodies by catching their very weak light and radio waves coming to the Earth from far away in the Universe. Strong artificial light and radio waves are threats to astronomical observations. The mission of the Spectrum Management Office is to protect an environment conducive to astronomical observation by reducing the light and radio waves that impede the observations.
Our everyday devices emit radio waves that are "too bright" for radio telescopes. If you put your cell phone on the Moon, it would be one of the 10 strongest radio sources in the entire sky. To insure that radio waves users do not interfere with each other, rules are established in Japan by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), and internationally by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Spectrum Management Office, representing astronomers in Japan, attends the meetings for making these regulations, and negotiates with other radio wave users, so that we can protect the environment for astronomy observations.
In addition, “satellite mega-constellations,” communication networks comprised of many satellites, are becoming new threats to astronomy. The satellites reflect the sunlight, which can be bright enough to impede astronomy observations. Assessing the impact and considering international countermeasures is also an issue for the future.
Head of the Spectrum Management Office：Masaaki Hiramatsu
Activities
Conferences and Negotiations
We attend the meetings and conferences held by the MIC and ITU, and negotiate with other radio wave users to ensure that the operation of radio wave emitting devices does not negatively impact radio astronomy observations.
Investigation and Research
We investigate and research the effects of satellites that shine brightly by reflecting sunlight, and city lights to optical/infrared astronomy observation, and then work to protect the environments for astronomy.
Ephemeris Computation Office
Setting the Japanese Calendar
Head: Masato Katayama
Setting the Japanese Calendar
The most important role of the Ephemeris Computation Office is to publish the Calendar and Ephemeris, which is one of NAOJ’s raisons d’être. To this end, we predict various heavenly phenomena, first and foremost the apparent positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets; but also the Solar Terms, including the vernal and autumnal equinoxes; sunrise and sunset times; moonrise and moonset times; solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, and the transits of planets across the solar disk. Because there is great interest in calendrical information closely related to everyday life, this material is always made readily available through the Rika Nenpyo (Chronological Scientific Tables), the Ephemeris Computation Office website, etc.
In addition, we are making the important historical documents (Japanese only) in the possession of NAOJ accessible to the Public through cooperation with the Library.
Head of the Ephemeris Computation Office: Masato Katayama
Activities
Publication of the Calendar and Ephemeris
We publish information about various heavenly phenomena, such as the apparent positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets.
Release of the Reki Yoko
Particularly important information from the calendar and ephemeris is selected, and an outline of next year’s calendar is published in the first official gazette in February each year.
Compilation of the Calendrical Section of the Rika Nenpyo
As the most trusted “handbook of natural sciences” in Japan, the Rika Nenpyo, with its more than 90 years of history, is published through cooperation with numerous research institutes.
Library Unit
A Hub Library for Astronomy Research in Japan
Head: Misaki Yamaguchi
A Hub Library for Astronomy Research in Japan
We collect, curate, and preserve books, magazines, audiovisual materials, microfilm, and various other technical materials on astronomy, space-science, and related fields from both inside and outside of Japan. These references cover a wide range from the latest up-to-date scientific journals to important documents from the Edo Era.
The library is located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the South Building. You can examine our books at your leisure in these quiet rooms. The primary users are NAOJ members, collaborators, and students. But on weekdays (excluding national holidays), the library is also open to members of other institutions and the general public. In addition, we loan materials to libraries at universities and institutes throughout the country, and mail photocopies (for a fee) to people who cannot come to a library. We also hold regular exhibitions of important historical documents at the Observatory History Museum in combination with the Ephemeris Computation Office.
Head of the Library Unit: Misaki Yamaguchi
Activities
Storing Domestic and International Books on Astronomy and Related Fields
The main fields covered by the collection are astronomy and space sciences; earth sciences; mathematics; physics; and natural science and engineering.
Opening the Library to the General Public
On weekdays, members of the public are free to use the library. We have not only specialized books but also books for the general public.
Preservation and Exhibition of Important Historical Documents
We store about 3000 books, including, Japanese and Chinese books especially those preserved by the Tenmonkata (Astronomer for the Edo Shogunate), almanacs, and occidental books.
E-journal & E-book for use by NAOJ Researchers
We offer more than 5000 E-journal titles centered on astronomy, space-sciences, and related fields.
Publications Office
We introduce NAOJ through easy to understand publications.
Head: Hitoshi Yamaoka
Providing Up-to-date Information about NAOJ
What is NAOJ, and what does it do? NAOJ’s major mission is not only to support its astronomers to pursue their own research, but also to provide astronomers around the world with access to telescopes, supercomputers, and other newly developed instruments. Another of NAOJ’s major activities is to show everyone how fun and interesting astronomy can be. To make such efforts of NAOJ more widely known to the public, the Publications Office issues annual reports and NAOJ News on a regular basis. We are also involved in creating a pamphlet that explains details about NAOJ, and leaflets for public visits. We strive to provide NAOJ’s up-to-date information through various media such as e-books and videos as well as printed media.
Head of the Publications Office: Hitoshi Yamaoka
Activities
Issuing the “Annual Report of NAOJ” and “Publications of NAOJ”
We produce the “Annual Report of NAOJ” and “Publications of NAOJ” as needed.
NAOJ News
Introduces research results and topics of NAOJ (in principle, quarterly)
Pamphlet
We update the Japanese pamphlet annually and the English pamphlet every 2 years.
Other Printed Materials
We produce calendars, posters, leaflets, and other assorted printed materials for public relations /outreach and education.
Office for Astronomy Outreach
Astronomy for Everyone, Everywhere — a joint project of the NAOJ and IAU
Head: Kelly Blumenthal
Astronomy for Everyone! – Building Bridges through Access, Communication, and International Cooperation
The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) was established in 2012 as a legacy of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009). The Offic is a joint project of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), under the auspices of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan, located at the NAOJ Mitaka Campus in Tokyo.
Leveraging astronomy’s capacity to inspire awe, the OAO empowers learners of all ages to engage with science through astronomy. We are bolstering global science capital by activating our international network of National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs) to build locally and culturally relevant resources, relying on the trusting relationships they have established in their communities. To support these initiatives, the OAO is growing an international coalition of astronomy communicators through professional development and resource sharing, working toward professionalising the field of astronomy communication. In this way, we are building a self-sustaining cycle that can, in time, lead us to our goal of engaging with everyone, everywhere.
Head of the Office for Astronomy Outreach: Kelly Blumenthal
Activities
A Global Network with Local Reach
The OAO manages an international network of National Outreach Coordinators (NOCs), represented by over 120 countries and more than 300 team members. These NOCs are professional and amateuer astronomers, educators and astronomy enthusiasts, all with the mission of fulfilling the OAO’s goals on a regional and local level. Through cross-cultural collaborations, the NOCs build bridges to combat mutual challenges through astronomy communication.
Engaging the Public with Astronomy through Global Initiatives
The OAO facilitates one major Global Outreach Project each year, held in October — 100 Hours of Astronomy — which is a marathon of engagement activities linked together through global collaboration. In addition, we support three main Global Themes throughout the year: Women and Girls in Astronomy, Dark and Quiet Skies and Inclusive Astronomy Communication. We celebrate these Themes via dedicated activities on UN International Days, including Women and Girls in Astronomy (11 February) and Indigenous Peoples’ Day (9 August).
Professionalizing Astronomy Communication
The OAO is committed to professionalizing the field of astronomy communication, primarily through our series of activities under the umbrella of Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP).
The CAP Journal is the only fully open-access and peer-reviewed journal on astronomy communication. Now fully online, this journal provides the community with the resources and best practices needed to improve communications practices worldwide.
A conference series dedicated to sharing experiences and practical knowledge of astronomy communication, the CAP Conference takes place every two years as a collaborative effort of the OAO and the IAU Commission C2–Communicating Astronomy with the Public. Previous topics covered during CAP Conference include careers in astronomy communication and the science of science communication.
CAP Training provides professional development opportunities to astronomy communicators worldwide. This program will grow in the coming years to include accreditation, and easy-to-follow modules.
The OAO also manages the CAP Working Group on Inclusive Astronomy Communication. This Working Group provides essential guidance and resources on diversity, equity and inclusion, ultimately ensuring astronomy is made available to as many people as possible.
Time Keeping Office
Keeping the Japanese Time
Head: Tetsuharu Fuse
Keeping the Japanese Time
Japan Central Standard Time is the basis for the time we use in everyday life. It is a legal responsibility for NAOJ to accurately determine this time and communicate it to society at large. Currently, NAOJ maintains and disseminates Japan Central Standard Time as a national duty. We also serve as one of the Japanese representative institutes in this field, contributing to the international time-comparison network, the maintenance of International Atomic Time (TAI), and the determination of world-wide standard times through the operation of four cesium atomic clocks and the use of GPS satellites. Moreover, we provide a standard time reference service through the internet.
As of February 2023, these responsibilities are carried out at Mizusawa Campus, but they will be moved to Mitaka Campus gradually.
Head：Tetsuharu Fuse
Activities
Maintaining and Disseminating Japan Central Standard Time
We maintain and disseminate Japan Central Standard Time through the operation of four cesium atomic clocks and an NTP sever.
Office of Historical Archives
New Insights from Historical Astronomical Research.
Head : Junichi Watanabe
New Insights from Historical Astronomical Research.
It is important to know both the old and the new. The Archive Office, which was established in April 2008 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of NAOJ, was closed in March 2012 for various reasons.
Now, the Archive Office has re-launched in November 2024 with the mission to “preserve, organize, utilize, and release to the public astronomy-related materials of historical value (observation and measurement equipment, photographic glass plates, rare books and historical documents). ” Until now, these tasks had been performed sporadically based on the interests of individual researchers, internal needs, or external requests. The re-launch of the Archive Office explicitly establishes these duties and signals a shift to a more unified, efficient, and systematic process.
The project includes rediscovery and restoration of various valuable observation and measurement devices; handling designations as Important Cultural Properties; and the organization, preservation, digitization, and archiving of valuable photographic glass plates that have been preserved for over 100 years since the Meiji Era.
Head：Junichi Watanabe
Activities
Preservation, Organization, Utilization, and Public Release of the Historical Observational and Measuring Instruments
We preserve, organize, and utilize the numerous telescopes and measurement instruments remaining in NAOJ that have played historical roles.
Preservation, Organization, Utilization, and Public Release of Astrophotographic Glass Plates
We preserve, organize, and utilize photographic glasss plates remaining at NAOJ.
Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory
Astronomy Outreach Using “the Other Subaru Telescope”
Head: Shogo Nagayama
Astronomy Outreach Using “the Other Subaru Telescope”
Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory is a unique facility in that it is operated by a collaboration of six entities: NAOJ, Ishigaki City, Ishigaki City Education Committee, the Specified Nonprofit Corporation Yaeyamahoshinokai, Okinawa Prefecture Ishigaki Youth Center, and the University of the Ryukyus. This observatory has a 105-cm optical-infrared reflector, the Murikabushi Telescope, the largest of its kind in the Kyushu-Okinawa region, conducting public outreach, education, and research activities in astronomy. The word “Murikabushi” is from the Yaeyama dialect spoken in Ishigaki Island, meaning “the Pleiades,” also known as “Subaru” in Japan. And because of this reason, this telescope is affectionately called NAOJ’s “other Subaru Telescope” after the true Subaru Telescope in Hawaiʻi.
The Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island, have the starriest skies among the permanently inhabited regions of Japan.
Additionally, the following factors make the place particularly suitable for astronomical observations.
- Low-levels of jet-stream disturbance making stars more visible
- Location that enables us to see the Milky Way with the naked eye
Taking advantage of such a wonderful environment, we provide high-quality images of astronomical objects as well as conduct stargazing parties, public tours, and hands-on observations for high school students. We also collaborate with other research projects both inside and outside of Japan to perform cutting-edge observations of Solar System objects and transient objects.
Head of the Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory: Shogo Nagayama
Activities
Providing High-Quality Astronomy Images
We contribute to raising public awareness of astronomy by providing high-quality astronomy images and holding stargazing parties.
Education Through Astronomical Observations
Taking advantage of an ideal environment for astronomical observations, we offer educational programs such as school tours and hands-on observations.
Addressing the Latest Cosmic Mysteries
Collaborating with both domestic and overseas institutions, we perform cutting-edge observations of Solar System objects and transient objects using the Murikabushi Telescope.
Links
Our Websites and SNS Accounts
Our Official Websites
Events and Content Development
Special Websites
SNS
Contact
Public Relations Center