SSO Director's Update

Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue65 1–31 August 2025

Observing semester 2025B started on August 1, with astronomers hoping for an improvement in the weather, which had presented noticeably few opportunities to observe in the previous semester. However, a new observing time model at the 2.3m telescope provides more predictability of observing opportunities after the introduction of long-term key projects. Following the AAT model, 70% of the telescope time is awarded to strategic key projects, which include studies of Galactic Archaeology, Supermassive Black Holes, Galaxy Evolution, Supernovae and other transients. The remaining observing time is still distributed by a Time Allocation Committee reviewing half-yearly proposals, with some time available as paid time.

On the ground at SSO, preparations are underway for the Open Day on Saturday 4 October, when the annual Starfest will see likely thousands of visitors, supported by many volunteers from RSAA. This year, we are looking forward to a special new feature: visitors approaching the SSO Exploratory next to the car park and playground will be greeted by a colourful mural combining stories of First Nations people with astronomy themes from current-edge research at SSO. The mural is not there yet (and hence this article will remain conspicuously without any photo) but expected to be painted and ready in time for Starfest – we will report in this channel.

Christian

Image: Spectrum of an unusual Active Galactic Nucleus taken with WiFeS at the ANU 2.3m telescope on 14 August 2025 as part of the RSAA key project on supermassive black holes.