Post #1613616

2026-04-14 04:42 UTC

Some context to help understand the depth of frustration here. The Australian astronomical community has been trying to get Australian governments to commit to a long term arrangement for access to large optical/infrared telescopes for as long as 8 metre class telescopes have existed. 30 years ago the Astronomy Decadal Plan 1996-2005 was published, and stated "The first priority of the astronomical community remains the same as it was in 1989, viz. to obtain significant access to a large optical/infrared telescope. To achieve this end the Review Committee believes that Australia should immediately accept the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) invitation to join ESO..." Instead what followed were a series of temporary and ad-hoc arrangements supported by one-off funding from various sources, which enabled Australian astronomer to buy some telescope time from, for example, the Gemini and Magellan observatories. Governments repeatedly balked at anything involving more a few years of commitment until 2017, when we finally got the 10 year Strategic Partnership with ESO: https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/strategicpartners/australianinvolvement/ Now the government has announced that they will not convert the Strategic Partnership to full membership of ESO, and have not committed any funding for alternative arrangements either. Australian astronomers feel like after decades of making their case they are right back to square one, in exactly the same situation as they were in in the early 1990's. #Astrodon #Astronomy

Replies (1)

@spacelizard@aus.social 2026-04-14 05:03

In fact it's worse than the situation was back then. In the early 90's 8 metre class telescopes were clearly the next big thing, and while it was crucial for Australian astronomy to secure access in order to avoid being left behind a lot could still be done with Australia's domestic astronomy facilities. Now, however, 8 metre class telescopes are the workhorses of research astronomy. Losing access would have a significantly bigger impact now that in the 90's. Furthermore, it isn't just about telescope time. Australian astronomers have pointed out all along that while it is possible for Australia to be merely a customer, buying time on telescopes here and here, it would be far, far better for Australia to become a member of one of the organisations operating the large overseas observatories. That way we don't just get to use the telescopes, we also get a say in the scientific priorities of the observatory, get opportunities to take part in technology development work, and secure contracts for equipment construction in Australia. The returns on investment in terms of science, technical capabilities and industry development are clearly far better, but Australia has a commitment problem when it comes to science funding. #Astronomy #Astrodon

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