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Advancing Australian Astronomy: MNRF Initiatives and Future Prospects

Explore the MNRF's role in enhancing Australian astronomy through groundbreaking projects like GEMINI and the Square Kilometre Array. Learn about current progress, upcoming challenges, and the strategic vision to position Australia as a leading force in astronomical instrumentation globally.

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Advancing Australian Astronomy: MNRF Initiatives and Future Prospects

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  1. The Australian Astronomy MNRF Ray NorrisJune 2004

  2. 22 August 2001: Sen. Minchin awards $23.5m to the MNRF astronomy proposal (Total budget $52m)

  3. GEMINI:The world’s most powerful optical telescope • The MNRF: • Buys us an additional share of the two Gemini telescopes • Enables us to play a key role in developing instrumentation for Gemini

  4. The Square Kilometre Array The next generation radio telescope An internationally-funded A$2B project Technology development now strong industry involvement Site selection in 2006 We are bidding to host it in Australia Construction starts in 2010

  5. The goals of the MNRF: Provide facilities to do excellent science Develop SKA Upgrade existing facilities in the process Greater access to Gemini Draw the Australian astronomical community together Position Australia as the #1 astronomical instrumentation builder in the world Build a healthy future for Australian astronomy Australia’s Astronomy Future

  6. MNRF management structure ARC CSIRO DEST AABoM Australian Gemini Steering Committee SKA consortium MNRF Director Executive Officer Gemini1 Gemini2 SKA1 SKA2 Etc...

  7. MNRF Project Office Increased Share of Gemini RSAA Instrumentation AAO Instrumentation CABB: AT Compact Array Broadband Backend NTD: SKA New Technology Demonstrator MMIC: Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits SKAMP: SKA Molonglo Prototype SKA WA Siting SKA Supercomputer Simulations & Baseband Processing The Projects

  8. All projects making substantial progress Some are falling somewhat behind their targets None are causing undue concern Several highlights (to be reported today) Funding is on track AABoM is running well DEST are supportive Overall Progress

  9. Luneburg lenses & NTD refocussing See J Kot/R Norris talks today Uncommitted Gemini funds See G Da Costa talk today MNRF Office understaffed Executive Officer being appointed R Norris proposes to step down as MNRF director MNRF director must be CSIRO staff member Selection process is in train Issues

  10. See www.atnf.csiro.au/projects/mnrf2001

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