Mt Stromlo Observatory

24/08/2026

Our astronomers also had fun launching so many rockets! Can't wait for us to launch rockets with all of you again!

Thank you South.Point Tuggeranong for participating in the National Science Week ACT and hosting us!

19/08/2026

Our second-to-last Public Astronomy Night of the year is coming this Friday ✨

Wear something warm and we'll see you up on the mountain, with talks and telescopes waiting. 🔭

18/08/2026

These gloomy days with rain and cloud make us long for the ones with sunshine and clear skies 🌤️

13/08/2026

Come and find us for rocket launching workshop and solar observing Come find us for a rocket launching workshop and solar observing at The Australian National University, as we celebrate our 80th birthday together!

Don't forget to register for ANU Community Day as we celebrate 80 years!

This year, The Australian National University turns 80, and we're inviting the Canberra community to celebrate with us. Explore our beautiful campus, enjoy a day of activities, and discover the rich stories that have shaped the ANU community over the past eight decades.

Register now: quicklink.anu.edu.au/9jpj

Explore the program: quicklink.anu.edu.au/ttyc

11/08/2026

✨NGC6164: Dragon's Egg Nebula✨

The central star in this photo is HD 148937, the brightest member of a triple star system. Surrounding it is an emission nebula called the Dragon's Egg Nebula (NGC 6164).

This is an extremely hot star that's constantly losing its outermost layers. But every so often, a more vigorous outburst creates the symmetrical shells you can see in the photo.

More about the photo

This photo is part of our effort to restore archival slides, plates and photos from Mt Stromlo Observatory, taken by various telescopes and astronomers over the years.

📸 NGC 6164/5, the nebulosity around HD 148937, captured by D.F. Malin (before 1980) using the Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory.

28/07/2026

Escape rooms, done. Trivia night, done. Time to try something your group has never done before. 🔭

Galaxy Safari puts you under the Canberra night sky, guided by astronomers who genuinely love the universe.

See the universe for yourself. 🌌

Book here: https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/observatories/mount-stromlo-observatory/stargazing-and-historical-site-tours

17/07/2026

Tonight's the night. 🌌

The talks are locked in, the telescopes are ready, and the winter sky is waiting. Head up the mountain from 7pm and admire the amazing night sky together.

See you up there. ✨

08/07/2026

A reminder - tonight at 6pm - at Manning Clark at ANU (not up here) - Prof Francis Bennett will be talking about transforming lasers for use in astronomy, and to aid in space exploration like the Artemis II mission!

Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/DMEOF

02/07/2026

Astronomers are good with numbers, but light-years and tax brackets are not the same kind of math. Please consult an actual accountant for real tax problems 💰

Here to book your next work related activities: https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/observatories/mount-stromlo-observatory/stargazing-and-historical-site-tours

26/06/2026

Come along to the main ANU Campus on Thursday 8 July to hear how laser technology at Mt Stromlo was used to download images like this as Artemis II went around the Moon! Bookings can be made here: https://www.trybooking.com/DMEOF