Cyberattack Forces Shutdown of Top Astronomical Observatories

The International Gemini Observatory, a key player in global astronomical research, has temporarily suspended operations following a cyberattack. The Gemini North and South Telescopes, along with the Gemini.edu website, have been taken offline as a precaution. The National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), backed by the National Science Foundation, is working to restore normal operations and investigate the cyberattack. The culprits and their motives remain unknown, but previous cyberattacks on astronomical observatories and NASA have highlighted the need for enhanced cybersecurity in the space sector.