There is nothing quasi-scientific about this aura. The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of universities and not-for-profit organizations devoted to the study of space. The organization was founded to create astronomical observing facilities for use by qualified researchers, and to serve the community by offering public outreach, education, and dissemination of information. AURA was founded in 1957 and operates astronomical observatories at 34 US institutions and six international affiliates, including Harvard University, Ohio State University, and the University of Toronto.