Optical and Radio Astronomy

Australian astronomy is acknowledged internationally as world-class with strengths in ground-based optical and radio observational work, backed by complementary abilities in theory and computation. Indeed in the past decade Australian researchers have played leading roles in major discoveries such as the existence of dark energy, the acceleration of the universe, a new type of galaxy, a unique double pulsar and planets orbiting other stars.

The $45 million the Australian Government is committing to astronomy through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) will support a range of projects to help ensure that Australian astronomers stay internationally competitive and have access to the facilities they require.

The NCRIS investments will be managed by a new organisation, Astronomy Australia.

Funding will be directed to the new Mileura International Radio Array (MIRA) in Western Australia. MIRA will be a significant next-generation radio telescope and a demonstrator of what would be the world’s biggest telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which may be built in Australia by 2020.

Other funded projects include the further development of the Anglo-Australian Observatory, continued access to the world-leading Gemini Observatory and a contribution to the design and development phase of the proposed 25-metre Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) in Chile.

This project provides investment for the future of all Australia. Science will benefit, but there will also be opportunities for Australian industry in the development of the engineering to support these exciting projects, such as the Square Kilometre Array.

This NCRIS funding will enable the building of the infrastructure, which will allow Australian astronomy to maintain its world-leading role in research.

Dr Martin Cole, proposed Chair, Astronomy Australia

For enquiries about the Astronomy Australian Limited, please contact:

Mr Mark McAuley
Chief Operating Officer
Astronomy Australia Ltd
c/o Swinburne University of Technology (H39 CASC)
1 Alfred Street
HAWTHORN  VIC  3122
Tel: +61 3 9214 8036
Mobile: +61 407 529 290
Email: mark.mcauley@astronomyaustralia.org.au

For matters related to management of the NCRIS programme, please contact the NCRIS Team by email at ncris@dest.gov.au or by telephone on 02 6229 4223.

For further information on NCRIS investments into Optical and Radio Astronomy, please see the Astronomy Australia Ltd website at www.astronomyaustralia.org.au