Do I need to ask permission to use NAOJ’s copyrighted material in a presentation or a lecture?

No permission is required. You can use our copyrighted material, provided that NAOJ is clearly identified as the copyright holder.

Do I need to ask permission to use NAOJ’s copyrighted material in a commercial magazine?

No permission is required. You can use our copyrighted material, provided that NAOJ is clearly identified as the copyright holder.

Do I need to ask permission to use NAOJ’s copyrighted material in a science or variety TV show?

No permission is required. You can use our copyrighted material, provided that NAOJ is clearly identified as the copyright holder.

I have already obtained permission to use a piece of NAOJ’s copyrighted material in a TV show. Do we need to ask permission again if we rerun the TV show?

No further permission is required when you reuse our copyrighted material for rerunning a TV show or reprinting a book. We only ask you to give appropriate credit to NAOJ.

I have already obtained permission to use a piece of NAOJ’s copyrighted material in a magazine. Do I need to ask permission again if I post the same material on my website?

No further permission is required when you reuse the same work in a different medium, provided that the work is used for the same purpose. We only ask you to give appropriate credit to NAOJ.

Can I reproduce a copyrighted image of NAOJ and turn it into a new work?

Yes, you can. In such a case, we ask you to indicate that your image is created “based on a copyrighted image of NAOJ” or “with reference to a copyrighted image of NAOJ.”
Occasionally, we see some cases where derivative works created based on our works contain errors. In general, we do not validate the correctness of any derivative work. Please note that ensuring the veracity of your derivative works is solely your responsibility.

Can I draw an illustration on a copyrighted image of NAOJ or combine one with another to transform the original material into a completely new creation?

Yes, you can. In such a case, we ask you to indicate that “the material is provided by NAOJ” or “this work is created based on an image copyrighted by NAOJ.”

Do I need permission to use NAOJ’s copyrighted material in a science museum exhibition?

No permission is required. We only ask you to give appropriate credit to NAOJ.

Do I need permission to use NAOJ’s copyrighted material in after school education?

No permission is required. We only ask you to give appropriate credit to NAOJ.

Do I need permission to produce and sell a product (e.g., stationery, general merchandise, etc.) featuring NAOJ’s copyrighted material?

In such a case, you need to make a contract with NAOJ and pay royalties. Please inquire for more details.

Do I need to ask permission to use a copyrighted image depicting an identifiable individual?

From the perspective of the right of portrait, such an image may not be used without permission from the person in the image. In such a case, please contact us.

Do I need permission to use the NAOJ logo?

You may not use the NAOJ logo without permission. Please contact us to request permission.

Do the Terms of Use for NAOJ’s copyrighted material apply to the use of works credited to “ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)”?

The use of works credited to ALMA is subject to its own Terms of Use. Please read the “Terms of Use” on the ALMA Project website.

Do the Terms of Use for NAOJ’s copyrighted material apply to the use of works credited to “4D2U Project, NAOJ”?

The use of works credited to the 4D2U Project is subject to its own Terms of Use. Please read the “Terms and Conditions of Use” on the 4D2U Project website.

Do the Terms of Use for NAOJ’s copyrighted material apply to the use of works credited to “Public Relations Center, NAOJ”?

Yes. Because the Public Relations Center is part of NAOJ, its works can be used in the same way as those credited solely to NAOJ.

Are there any higher resolution images available?

Generally, the images on the NAOJ website are of the highest resolution available.

Why are so many of the astronomical images taken by the 50-cm Telescope for Public Outreach in low resolution?

This is because the CCD camera sensors available from the 1990s to the early 2000s when these pictures were taken had only a limited number of pixels. Therefore, no higher resolution images are available.

There are letters on the image I wish to use. Is there any image without lettering?

Please contact us to ask if we have a copy of the image you want without lettering.

Can I add descriptive text to an image copyrighted by NAOJ?

Yes, you can.

Can I edit (trim or change the colors of) an image copyrighted by NAOJ.

Yes, you can.

I found that a certain page of the NAOJ website describes different usage rules from those for NAOJ’s copyrighted material. Which rules should I follow?

In such a case, the usage rules described on that page will be prioritized.

Have there been any changes in the usage rules for NAOJ’s copyrighted material?

We revised the Terms of Use for the NAOJ website on April 17, 2017. This revised version allows you to use our copyrighted material without permission in many cases. These terms may be further revised without prior notice.
In March 2022, we restructured our Terms of Use into four pages: “Website Terms of Use,” “Usage of Copyrighted Material,” “Privacy Policy,” and “FAQs.” Regarding the use of our copyrighted material, we have broadened the scope of free use, deleted the provisions on reporting the use of copyrighted material and sending book copies, and made the descriptions easier to understand, thereby improving user convenience. No modification was made to the provisions related to credit indication and material modification.

I have used a copyrighted image of NAOJ in my book. Do I need to send a copy?

Previously, we asked authors to provide us with copies of their books in which our works were used. However since March 2022, providing a copy is not required.

Can I have permission forms allowing the use of the copyrighted works with signing written?

No. NAOJ doesn’t sign written or issue such permission forms.

Can you tell me about using data from the Ephemeris Computation Office website?

You are free to use the content of the Ephemeris Computation Office website without any restrictions. When you cite information from this website, we ask you to include a credit line such as “(c) NAOJ” or “Cited from the NAOJ website” or to set up a link to the website.
We may suspend your use of the website if we have a reason to suspect that you are abusing the website. In such a case, we assume no liability for any damage caused by the suspension. Also, we take no responsibility for any action taken by you relying on information provided on the website. Terms of Use: Ephemeris Computation Office, NAOJ

Last Updated: March 31, 2022