Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of universities and other institutions that operates astronomicalobservatories and telescopes.
Members have been distinguished between being: a) Private, or Public Institutes, b) Whether the focus is on Education or Research at the Institute, and c) The level of education provided according to a tiered system. The Carnegie Institution, is the exception, as it is less of a school, and more of a research organization.