Privacy Policy

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.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

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

• Fill out contact forms
• Subscribe to newsletters or updates
• Request access to research data or resources
• Participate in surveys or provide feedback
• Register for an account (if applicable)

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Institutional affiliation and research interests
• Messages and communications you send to us
• Any other information you choose to provide

Automatically Collected Information

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

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

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes, including:

• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send requested information, and provide updates about our research
• Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our website's functionality and content
• Research Collaboration: To facilitate collaborations and data sharing with researchers
• Security: To protect against unauthorized access and maintain website security
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect information about how you use our website.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites remember your preferences and improve functionality.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and cannot be disabled
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies from specific websites
• Delete all cookies when closing the browser

Data Sharing and Disclosure

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

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information
• Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist in website operations (e.g., hosting providers) under confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Research Collaborations: With research partners when you've requested collaboration or data access

Data Security

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

• Encryption of data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure data storage practices

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.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

Your Rights and Choices

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

• Access: Request a copy of 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 information
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including NASA's Planetary Data System, research institutions, and educational resources. 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.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

International Data Transfers

If you are accessing our website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using our website, you consent to this transfer.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.

Contact Information

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: info@saturnringsobservatory.org
Phone: +1 (626) 487-3940