Australian Astronomical Observatory
Observatory
About
The Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO), formerly the Anglo-Australian Observatory, is an optical and near-infrared astronomy observatory with its headquarters in North Ryde in suburban Sydney, Australia. Originally funded jointly by the United Kingdom and Australian governments, it was managed wholly by Australia's Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. The AAO operated the 3.9-metre Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) and 1.2-metre UK Schmidt Telescope (UKST) at Siding Spring Observatory, located near the town of Coonabarabran, Australia.
In addition to operating the two telescopes, AAO staff carried out astronomical research, and designed and built astronomical instrumentation for the AAT, UKST, and other telescopes including the European Southern Observatory (ESO)'s Very Large Telescope in Chile, and the Japanese Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea in Hawaii.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
North Ryde
Suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
1.5 mi awaySydney Turpentine–Ironbark Forest
Critically endangered forest in Australia
0.6 mi awayNorth Shore (Sydney)
Region of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
1.6 mi awayEast Ryde
Suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
1.1 mi awayFiddens Wharf
Historic site in New South Wales, Australia
0.9 mi awayChatswood West
Suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
1.1 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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