For many years astronomy has been one of Australia's pre-eminent sciences,
and the per capita output was in excess of many other developed
nations. This scientific prominence is in part due to the dearth
of observatories in the Southern Hemisphere and the more accessible
view of our galaxy, the Milky Way, from this location.
Perth Observatory has been a part of this scientific endeavour for over 100 years and is still sought for collaborations with other astronomy institutions, worldwide, because of its particularly isolated location on the globe, generally favourable weather conditions, and track record of accomplishment.
Objective
Conduct of astronomical research in the following areas:
- Monitoring brightness changes in stars, comets, gravitational lensing events, planetary transits, gamma ray bursts and other celestial bodies, and participate in their further study.
- Determination of positions of minor bodies (asteroids and comets) and targets of opportunity and forwarding these to the International Astronomical Union for publication and dissemination.
- Searching for extra-galactic supernovae in low-redshift spiral galaxies.
- Testing the suitability of appropriate Western Australian sites for astronomical observations.
Strategies
- Conduct astronomical research, particularly that which exploits Perth Observatory's isolated position on the globe.
- Collaborate with local, national, and international astronomy institutes, universities, Government agencies, industries, other interest groups and the public to conduct or co-ordinate research, educational and/or information activities.
- Communicate research discoveries through all appropriate channels, at a wide variety of fora, and to all appropriate audiences.
- Keep abreast of worldwide astronomical and technological advances via the literature and attendance at scientific meetings and seek opportunities to utilise or adapt these to suit Observatory, and government needs.
- Maximise output by automating equipment monitoring, data acquisition and presentation; providing resources for students; collaborating with other relevant parties; actively seeking external funds and employing staff where appropriate.
Significance and Benefits
Conducting this project is direct participation in scientific research. This is aligned
with the State Government's 'Innovate WA' Policy objective outlines above.
Knowledge will be obtained on the nature and orbits of Solar System objects such as comets and minor planets. Clues to the internal structure of stars will be obtained by photometric observation of stars and supernovae. Microlensing and planetary transit observations also provide information on the number of faint galactic stars and their potential planetary companions. Site testing will provide information necessary for the planning of future facilities. The conduct of research also supports the authority of the Observatory in its education/outreach and information programmes.
Quality
Perth Observatory astronomers are WA's professional astronomers - all have an enduring commitment to their field and at least 10 years experience in astronomy education and public outreach, and most have extensive research experience and appropriate university qualifications.
