Automatic observatory probes Antarctic skies

As the Antarctic sun sets for winter, the world's first automated observatory will continue beaming data from the Antarctic plateau back to UNSW.

The observatory, located at Antarctica's Dome C, is the world's first fully-automated observatory. By sending images and data back to astronomers at UNSW's school of physics, it will help test the astronomers' theory that the plateau is the best place on Earth for a range of astronomical observations.

It may also add weight to Australian proposals to build a two-metre diameter telescope at the French-Italian base at Dome C.

Working at Antarctica over the recent summer, astronomers from the UNSW school of physics installed and tested communications equipment, astronomical instruments, engines and heaters in the purpose-built automated astrophysical site-testing observatory (AASTINO) at Dome C.

Head of the school of physics, Professor John Storey, PhD student Tony Travouillon and ARC Research Fellow Dr Jon Lawrence were testing the AASTINO equipment to ensure it would work via remote control from UNSW during the long, dark Antarctic winter.

They were also testing their theory that Dome C on the high Antarctic plateau is the best place on Earth for building a wide range of astronomical telescopes and other observing instruments, and an even better spot than the South Pole.

Item provided courtesy of UNSW