Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 17, 2024

Saturn Rings Observatory ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website saturnringsobservatory.org and use our services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Fill out contact forms or submit inquiries
• Subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list
• Register for an account or request data access
• Participate in research collaborations
• Apply for internships or career opportunities

This information may include: name, email address, institutional affiliation, phone number, mailing address, and any other information you choose to provide.

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including:

• IP address and geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Referring website addresses
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Date and time of visits

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and understand user preferences. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send newsletters, and provide updates about our research
• Research Collaboration: To facilitate research partnerships and data sharing agreements
• Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve website functionality and user experience
• Security: To protect against unauthorized access, maintain data security, and prevent fraud
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Educational Outreach: To provide educational resources and support academic research

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to information sharing
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in website operations, email delivery, or data analysis, under strict confidentiality agreements
• Research Partners: With collaborative research institutions when necessary for joint research projects, with appropriate data use agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Safety and Protection: To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, and that of our users or the public

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Secure server infrastructure

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing where consent was the legal basis

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@saturnringsobservatory.org

7. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms, research databases, and partner institutions. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Saturn Rings Observatory
254 Observatory Lane
Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
Email: privacy@saturnringsobservatory.org
Phone: +1 (626) 487-3940