About

Read about the School's history, leadership and partnerships.

Director’s Welcome

Professor Stuart Wyithe

The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) is a world-class community of researchers advancing our knowledge of the structure and evolution of the Universe. RSAA astronomers study topics ranging from the first stars and black holes, to dark matter, dark energy, and the structure of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. RSAA hosts the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre (AITC), where scientists and engineers design and build instrumentation for the World’s premier ground-based telescopes, as well as satellites and optical communication. RSAA also operates Siding Spring Observatory (outside Coonabarabran, NSW), including Australia’s largest optical telescope, the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT). RSAA offers study programs to train the next generation of outstanding scientists, including an undergraduate major, summer research scholarships, and Masters and PhD programs. Mt Stromlo Observatory also hosts a range outreach telescopes for astronomers to show school students and the public all the wonders of the night sky. 

Professor Stuart Wyithe