The AAO RDS is hosting the IVOA (International Virtual Observatory Alliance) Interoperability meeting Macquarie University campus this week. The IVOA, formed in 2002, aims to develop and deploy tools for integrating global astronomical archives.

The AAO Macquarie University has been awarded $1.169M from the NSW Government's NCRIS Support Program! This funding will bolster AAO's ongoing efforts to drive innovation and industry engagement in key technology sectors. More info: chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/news/nsw-resea…

👏Hosted by the RDS section@AAOMacquarie, the IVOA IVOA Interoperability Meeting 2024 successfully took place at Macquarie University Campus from 19-24 May! 🌍✨ Over 80 global experts discussed standards and tools for integrating astronomical data, archives, and software.

AAO Macquarie University⁩ has delivered its Malya thermal camera system to Queensland-based Gilmour Space Technologies. The camera is scheduled for launch into orbit next year as part of an upcoming Gilmour Space satellite mission. mq.edu.au/faculty-of-sci…

Excited to announce that Distinguished Prof Jon Lawrence, Head of Instrumentation AAO Astronomy , will deliver the keynote lecture 'Big Science with Big Telescopes' at the 2024 Astronomy Open Night! Join us at 7:30 PM on 21st Sep. Learn more: event.mq.edu.au/astronomy-open…

Get ready for a night of discovery with AAO staff delivering short talks at #AstronomyOpenNight! Explore topics like 'Sonifying Astronomy Images,' 'Scaling the Universe,' 'Seeing Stars: The History of Imaging,' and 'AI/ML in Astronomy.' More info: event.mq.edu.au/astronomy-open…"

We had an amazing time at the #AstronomyOpenNight Macquarie University last Saturday! Many curious minds stopped by our AAO booth, and we loved sharing the wonders of astronomy and optical instrumentation with everyone. Thanks to all who joined us! 🌟

Today marks 50 years since King Charles III, then Prince Charles, inaugurated the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT). After Britain handed the Aus-UK collaboration of the AAT to Australia, Macquarie University took on the responsibility of Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO) in 2018.

AAO celebrated 50 years of groundbreaking contributions to the world of astronomy on 2 Dec Macquarie University. The event brought together staff, partners and the University Executive to reflect on AAO’s remarkable journey and exciting future. aao.org.au/2024/12/06/aao…

At the event, AAO staff Sana Syed, Lew Waller, Tim Chin, Brent Miszalski, and Jessica Zheng shared their unique perspectives on our values "Passionate, Resilient, Innovative, Collaborative, and Inclusive".

Honouring the hands and minds behind AAO’s legacy: The event celebrated not only AAO’s technological and scientific milestones but also the hands and minds that have dedicated themselves to its success over the decades.

Keith Shortridge, former AAO software engineer, reflected on AAO’s remarkable 50-year journey. It’s a story of growth, challenges, and unparalleled contributions to the field of astronomical optics.

Over the decades, AAO has evolved, embracing challenges and opportunities for growth. Dr. Nu Fernando, AAO Software Engineer & DEIC Chair, shared insights into AAO's remarkable journey of change and adaptation.

“AAO represents the application of engineering to some of humanity’s most profound questions" said Macquarie University VC Prof. S. Bruce Dowton, highlighting the international nature of AAO’s work and how important this global perspective is to the culture and community Macquarie University

A major international astronomy project led by AAO Macquarie University has now passed a crucial milestone in its mission to enhance the capabilities of one of the world's most powerful telescopes, the 8-metre Gemini North telescope in Hawaii.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-sci…

On Tuesday, 29 April 2025, Australian Astronomical Optics launched the 10-year strategic plan with Macquarie University Executives, FSE leadership and staff, AAO staff and strategic industry partners. Read our AAO Strategic Plan 2025-2034: Bridging Eras mq.edu.au/__data/assets/…

We're proud to share that AAO has maintained its Bronze Pleiades Award from the ASA IDEA Chapter—reflecting our continued commitment to a more inclusive and equitable astronomy community.#PleiadesAward #Diversity #Inclusion #Astronomy

Congratulations to Dr Jaime Andrés Alvarado Montes, Macquarie University Research Fellow at the AAO, whose latest research has been featured in several major science outlets! phys.org/news/2025-07-u…