Astronomical observatory

Our on-site astronomical observatory

The Macquarie Astronomical Observatory was established on campus in 1978, and provides state-of-the-art equipment and operations facilities to support research, teaching and outreach at the University.

The Observatory was moved to its present site around 1993 after further development, thanks to funds raised through the efforts of Dr. Alan Vaughan and the MQ Association for Astronomy, established in 1988. The Observatory compound was developed further in 2019 to include a research facility, remote operations facility and permanent outdoor mounts for more telescopes.

Activities conducted at the Observatory are:

• Teaching – both undergraduate and postgraduate students learning how to use the tools.
• Research – both temporary and permanent research instruments located on-site.
• Outreach – public and private viewing sessions, along with other special events hosted by the Association for Astronomy around the astronomical calendar.

If you’re interested in remote access to the Observatory and equipment please contact the facility manager Senior Scientific Officer, Adam Joyce.

MRes and PhD research

Projects may be available for MRes and PhD students. Optical astronomical equipment used in conjunction with the telescopes includes CCD cameras for imaging and photometry, and a single-fibre spectroscope for obtaining object spectra. Find out more about our PhD and research projects.