Monterey Institute For Research In Astronomy

Performed and published significant astronomical research. MIRA astronomers authored or co-authored 14 research papers published in refereed journals. Highlights: (1) High-precision polarimetric studies of stars and planets, published in cooperation with other observatories; (2) high- resolution infra-red observations and analysis of fluorine molecules in the atmospheres of cool giant stars for studies of Galactic chemical evolution, $65,000; (3) analysis of stellar interior structures with asteroseismolgy data from MIRA and NASA data, $50,000; (4)analysis of MIRA and Hubble Space Telescope observations of cometary ejecta from the NASA Deep Impact mission.

Public Education in Astronomy: (1) Published a quarterly newsletter. (2) Provided educational research opportunities and guidance for six high school and college summer interns. 3) Sponsored a local astronomy club. (4) Provided maintenance and access to the Student Observatory. (5) Supported Monterey County Free Libraries telescope borrowing program. (6) Maintained an astronomical education website. (7) Conducted star parties, classroom visits and tours, and adult education classes. (8) Sponsored public lectures by eminent visiting astronomers and MIRA astronomers on topics of interest to the public.