Australia's strengths in space science

Abstract

Australia has a long history of space science discoveries. Recent Australian discoveries include the discovery of the most pristine star known, the most distant spiral galaxy, and a massive explosion from the black hole in our own Milky Way, 3.5 billion years ago. These discoveries provide crucial tests of star formation theory, galaxy evolution modelling, and models of the gas around supermassive black holes. Australian astronomers are also extensively involved in the development of new astronomical instrumentation for space, including the Skyhopper satellite, and laser-guided space debris tracking and de-orbiting systems. Finally, Australian astronomers are poised to take advantage of the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope, due to be launched in 2021. Show more