Research Ethics and Responsible Observation

Astronomical and space research must be conducted lawfully, safely and with respect for the facilities, environments and communities affected by it.

Facilities and observing time

Authors must follow observatory, telescope, mission and archive rules, including proprietary periods, data-use conditions and acknowledgement requirements. Access obtained through a collaboration must not be represented as independent access.

Environmental and community responsibility

Field stations, launch activity, remote facilities and observing sites may affect local communities, protected land, culturally significant places and the environment. Authors should report relevant approvals and consultation where their work directly involves such activity.

Safety and regulation

Work involving lasers, radio transmission, high voltage, radiation sources, launch systems or other regulated activity must comply with applicable safety and licensing requirements.