Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2024

Last Updated: January 1, 2024

1. Introduction

Welcome to Saturn Rings Observatory ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website saturnringsobservatory.org (the "Site").

Please read this privacy policy carefully. By accessing or using our Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not access the Site.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Disclose to Us

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

• Submit inquiries through our contact form
• Subscribe to newsletters or updates
• Register for an account or services
• Participate in surveys or provide feedback

The personal information we collect may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Professional information (institution, position, research interests)
• Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

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

• IP address and browser type
• Operating system and device information
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of visits

This information is primarily collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies. See our Cookie Policy section below for more details.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect or receive for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries: We use your contact information to respond to your questions and provide support.
• To improve our services: We analyze usage data to understand how visitors interact with our Site and improve user experience.
• To send communications: With your consent, we may send you newsletters, research updates, and information about our programs.
• To maintain security: We use information to detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents.
• To comply with legal obligations: We may process your information to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

4. Cookie Policy

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our Site. We use cookies for:

• Essential cookies: Required for basic site functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Site
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit certain features of our Site. Our cookie banner allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following situations:

• With service providers: We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf (e.g., web hosting, email delivery, analytics).
• For legal purposes: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights and safety.
• With research collaborators: With your explicit consent, we may share information with academic and research institutions for collaborative projects.
• Business transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or transfer of our assets.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

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

8. 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 our processing of your personal information
• Data portability: Request transfer of your information to another service
• Withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for processing where we rely on consent

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

9. Children's Privacy

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

10. Third-Party Websites

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. 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.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure that your personal information remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

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

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