Australian Astronomical Observatory
AAO
1 July 2010 – 1 July 2018
National optical astronomy observatory, run as a division of the science and industry department, that operated the Anglo-Australian Telescope and UK Schmidt Telescope at Siding Spring and developed astronomical instruments at its Sydney laboratories.
How it came into existence
Established on 1 July 2010 as a division of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research after the United Kingdom withdrew from the Anglo-Australian Telescope Agreement, replacing the Anglo-Australian Telescope Board.
- Operation of the Anglo-Australian Telescope and UK Schmidt Telescope
- Astronomical instrumentation
How it ended
Ceased on 1 July 2018 when its instrumentation work passed to a Macquarie University-led consortium and operation of the telescopes at Siding Spring passed to the Australian National University.
- Operation of the Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory
Main functions
- Operation of the Anglo-Australian Telescope
- Operation of the UK Schmidt Telescope
- Astronomical instrument design and construction
- Support for Australian access to international optical telescopes
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
Lineage
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Sources
Primary sources
- Australian Government Organisations Register (Department of Finance, data.gov.au) (listed from 11 December 2014 to 30 September 2018)
Other sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.