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.
- 10" Dobsonion f/5
- 10" Meade LX200 Telescope f/10
- 12″ Meade GPS Telescope f/10
- 16″ Meade Telescope f/10
- 24" Planewave CDK f/6.5
- 8″ Celestron C8 f/10
- 8″ Dobsonian
- Lunt 80 THa Solar Telescope
- 9.25" Celestron f/10
- Explore Scientific ED 80 mm APO f/6
- Explore Scientific FC 102mm APO CF f/7
- Project PANOPTES – for more details go to https://projectpanoptes.org/
- Sharpstar 121SDQ APO QUINTUPLET f/5.6
- TEC 140mm ED APO
Location: Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory (map), Building W16A (end of N3 car park), off Gymnasium Rd, Macquarie Park NSW
If using a GPS to find us, navigate to 5 Gymnasium Road, North Ryde 2113 NSW
The Astronomical Observatory is located on the northern grounds of Macquarie University, off Gymnasium Road, near the corner of Culloden and Waterloo Roads. Once on Gymnasium Road, take the first left onto the N3 car park. The observatory is at the northeast side of the lot – you can’t miss it.
Casual parking fees apply from 6am to 6pm seven days a week. Parking is free after 6pm.