The Giant Magellan Telescope was recently featured on Great Big Story. Narrated by GMTO's Patrick McCarthy, the video highlights the astronomical significance of the GMT project and its precise construction process.
www.greatbigstory.com/stories/making-giant-mirrors-to-see-the-universe

Applications for this position have now closed

The Giant Magellan Telescope Organization (GMTO) today announced that Arizona State University (ASU) has joined the mission to build the world’s largest telescope, the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). The project’s partnership with ASU will aid in GMT’s mission of discovery and its quest to answer some of the most fundamental questions of all: where did we come from, and are we alone in the Universe. The GMT will probe the atmospheres of planets around other stars for signs of biochemistry, and will look back to the early universe to understand how the first stars and galaxies formed.
See the full press release available on the GMT website.

ASU’s Dr. Rogier Windhorst will give a public lecture on next generation telescopes, including the JWST and GMT. The lecture will be live-streamed at 1.30pm AEST, 1st Dec 2017: more information is here.

AAL has published our 2016/17 Annual Report.
​If you would like a physical copy, please contact us.

Applications close on Friday 24th of November 5 PM AEDT

On behalf of the Australian Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) Consortium, Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL) is inviting applications from suitably qualified Australian-based astronomers to represent Australia on the MWA Board.
 
Australia currently has four positions on the MWA Board, one of which is intended to be filled through this open call for nominations. The successful applicant will be expected to work with the Australian MWA Partners and AAL to understand Australian perspectives on, and represent Australian interests in, the MWA project.
 
The term of this appointment is 1 year, commencing December 2017, with the possibility of renewal. The MWA Board meets twice per year in person, usually once in Australia and once overseas, with regular teleconferences in between. AAL will fund travel expenses associated with attending MWA Board meetings. The next meeting of the MWA Board will be held on 12th December 2017 in Sydney. Applicants are encouraged to be available to participate in this meeting in person.

Applications
 
If you consider yourself well placed to contribute to the MWA Board via your expertise, ideas, and experience, please email AAL with a maximum three page application with:

• a brief CV,
• your relevant expertise,
• any relevant conflicts of interest.

 
AAL is committed to equity and diversity and encourages applications from everyone with the appropriate expertise and skills.
 
Applications close on Friday 24th of November 5 PM AEDT. Late applications will not be accepted.
 
Applications will be evaluated by a panel comprising members of the Australian MWA Consortium and chaired by an AAL representative. This panel will nominate a candidate for appointment to the MWA Board, with the nomination to be ratified by the Australian MWA partners. Queries can be made to James Murray, AAL Senior Program Manager, or Randall Wayth, MWA Director.

For full details please click here

AAL seeks applications for a new committee to govern the allocation of resources on behalf of Astronomy Data and Computing Services. Astronomy Data and Computing Services (ADACS) is a national initiative created by Astronomy Australia Limited (AAL) for the benefit of all Australian-based astronomers. The over-riding goal of ADACS is to provide astronomy-focused training, support and expertise to allow astronomers to maximise the scientific return from data and computing infrastructure.

Applications
The deadline for applications is Friday 10th November 2017 at 4pm AEST.
AAL expects the committee’s collective expertise to span the breadth of astrophysics, computational techniques and data science areas. AAL is particularly interested in applications from people who have recognised expertise in a relevant area of astrophysics or data science:- demonstrated through publication, awards and/or software.
 
If you consider yourself well placed to contribute to this committee via your expertise and ideas, and share AAL’s vision of wanting Australian astronomers to have access to the best research infrastructure, please email info@astronomyaustralia.org with a two A4 page application with:

• a brief CV,
• your relevant expertise,
• any relevant conflicts of interest.
•  If you wish to be considered for the position of committee chair please make this clear in the application.

For more information please click here or email  info@astronomyaustralia.org.au.

ESO, working with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, has confirmed Australia's astronomer appointments, for the next three years, to the ESO Council (EC), Scientific Technical Committee (STC) and Users' Committee (UC). AAL congratulates the successful candidates:

   EC:  Matthew Colless
   STC: Michael Ireland
   UC:  Caroline Foster

ESO was spoilt with a range of candidates exhibiting excellent scientific and technical competence relevant to the ESO mission. The successful appointees complement the skills currently represented on those governing bodies.