Mount Stromlo Observatory
The Mount Stromlo Observatory is one of the oldest institutions in the ACT. It was established (as the Commonwealth Solar Observatory) in 1924, although astronomical observations had been carried out on the mountain as early as 1911. Its original interests lay in solar and atmospheric physics.
During World War II, the Observatory served as an optical munitions establishment; and, after the war, it developed new research directions in stellar and galactic astronomy, with a change of name to the Commonwealth Observatory. The site was finally renamed Mount Stromlo Observatory following its amalgamation with ANU in 1957.
The Mount Stromlo Observatory complex is a functioning institution and, in association with the Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran, is known as the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, as part of the College of Sciences at the Australian National University.
The main research interest is in stellar and extra galactic astrophysics, in particular, the structure and evolution of stars and galaxies, the origin and development of the Universe as a whole, and the physics of the material between stars. Mount Stromlo Observatory is renowned internationally for its scientific achievement and is historically important for its place in the development of the National Capital.
The scientific achievement has always been through multidisciplinary teams, a fact readily acknowledged by the Observatory and university staff.
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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage International Marker (EHIM) |
| Award Date | May 2018 |
| Heritage Significance | |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Not Available |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel Image | Not Available |
