Lost Science: Top Lab's Work in Jeopardy

A highly regarded atomic spectroscopy group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which had been a cornerstone of research for over two decades, has been disbanded. The group, led by Yuri Ralchenko for 12 years, was renowned for its precise measurements and its invaluable database, cited twice daily and accessed nearly a million times annually. This data is crucial for applications ranging from analyzing Mars' composition to understanding distant stars.

The group's extensive experimental apparatus, including a massive 2,000-square-foot instrument built over 30 years ago, faces significant challenges in relocation. While core tools and databases are being moved to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the complex experimental setups will likely remain at NIST. Reassembling these intricate instruments is estimated to take at least 18 months, potentially leaving decades of scientific groundwork dormant.

The disbandment raises concerns about the continuity of foundational scientific work, which Ralchenko likens to a vital ruler for researchers. The future of the specialized, large-scale equipment, some weighing tons, remains unknown. Ralchenko now serves as a guest researcher at NIST, a visiting scientist at the University of Maryland, and a contractor at NASA Goddard.