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Greetings! (1Dec93)
(from NSO, NOAO Newsletter No. 36, 1 December 1993)

On 1 October, the Directorship of the National Solar Observatory passed
from John Leibacher to me. I expect to spend the next few months
familiarizing myself with the broad mosaic of activities at the
Sacramento Peak, Tucson/Kitt Peak, and GONG branches of NSO.  It is
exciting to be back working in the field of research in which I started
my career in astronomy. Research at NSO spans a broad range of topics,
ranging from the study of the solar interior by helioseismology to the
influence of solar activity on the earth's environment. It includes the
development of sophisticated technologies and methodologies to achieve
its goals. Its mission includes both astronomical and solar-
terrestrial research; both service to the US community through a
visiting astronomer program and long-term programs, and in-house
research. As the US national observatory for solar research, it
should aim at the excellence and leadership needed to maintain our
pre-eminent position in this field of astrophysics and to satisfy the
nation's needs in understanding the sun's role in determining the
global environment. I am fortunate to find an observatory which has
profited from the excellent leadership of my predecessor. To achieve
its mission, NSO's primary sponsorship by NSF, through AURA, is
complemented by the participation by many other agencies including the
US Air Force, NASA and the NOAA Space Environmental Laboratory,
providing for a complex but synergistic program. I look forward to
meeting the challenges of maintaining and improving the excellence of
the observatory even in these times of budgetary constraints.

Jacques Beckers

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