The Mount Stromlo Observatory (MSO) is the headquarters of ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA), located in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.
The large telescopes at Mt Stromlo were damaged by the fires in 2003 and now decommissioned. The sister site, Siding Spring Observatory near Coonabarabran still has operational large telescopes.
The observatory site, heritage trail, and Director’s Residence is open, however, the Stromlo Observatory Visitor Centre was closed in 2022. It is to reopen, updated details can be found on the website.
Heritage Trail
The heritage trail can be walked as a self-guided tour, comprising of 11 interpretive signs. The signs provide the story of the Mount Stromlo Observatory and the Director’s Residence.
The heritage trail page provides links to a basic trail map and phone apps to accompany the walk. A trail map shows the location of the interpretive signs and buildings.
Originally called Observatory House, the Director’s Residence was built in 1928. Like the large telescopes, it was damaged in the 2003 fires. It has been fortunate to receive stabilisation and opened with displays about Mount Stromlo and the fires.
To Get There
Links
https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/observatories/mount-stromlo-observatory
