The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) has been transferred from the Department to join the domestic research sector.
The move was announced by the Assistant Minister for Science, Senator Zed Seselja who said it would build on Australia’s world-class technical and scientific capabilities in astronomy and astrophysics.
Senator Seselja said the scientific functions, relevant assets and existing commitments of the AAO had been taken over by two new consortia of Australian universities.
Under the transfer arrangements, Macquarie University will assume AAO’s research and optical instrumentation capability, and partner with the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Sydney and Astronomy Australia Limited.
The partnership will be established as a new national optical instrumentation capability to be known as Australian Astronomical Optics, carrying forward the internationally recognised AAO brand.
The Senator said that under an additional arrangement, the ANU will take over the operation of the AAO’s 3.9-metre diameter Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) at Siding Spring Observatory in NSW and a consortium of 13 Australian universities will fund the new operation which will extend the operating life of the AAT until at least 2024-25.
Senator Seselja said it was the start of an exciting new chapter for the AAO.
“The spectacular discoveries and images created by our astronomers advance scientific understanding, stimulate scientific interest in young people and inspire all of us to think about our place in the universe,” he said.
“Australia has a strong international reputation in optical astronomy and I’m sure we will continue to play a leading role in developing future optical telescopes and inspiring the next generation of Australian astronomers and engineers.”
He said Australia had entered into a 10‑year partnership with European Southern Observatory a year ago, giving astronomers access to the tools and collaboration opportunities they needed to continue leading-edge discoveries that advanced the understanding of the universe.
