A major international astronomy project led by Australian Astronomical Optics at Macquarie University (AAO-MQ) has now passed a crucial milestone in its mission to enhance the capabilities of one of the world’s most powerful telescopes, the 8-metre Gemini North telescope in Hawaii.
The “Adaptive Optics Bench for Wide and Narrow fields” (AOB-WAN) project successfully completed its preliminary design review in Hawaii, receiving unanimous approval from international experts to proceed with development of advanced technology set to revolutionise astronomical observations.
The project brings together research institutions and industry partners from four countries, with AAO-MQ leading the international collaboration.
Project Manager Tiger Wang from AAO-MQ says the successful review keeps the project on track to deliver the advanced astronomical instrumentation as planned.
“The adaptive optics system acts like automatic prescription glasses for the telescope, constantly adjusting to overcome atmospheric distortion and deliver clearer views of distant space objects,” says Professor Jon Lawrence, Head of Instrumentation at AAO-MQ.
The project also shows the importance of strong international scientific partnerships.
“This international collaboration brings together critical expertise from each team, so together we can develop a state-of-the-art adaptive optics system that will enhance the Gemini Observatory’s ability to explore the cosmos with exceptional clarity and precision,” Professor Lawrence says.
The consortium includes the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre at the Australian National University, French aerospace research centre ONERA, and laboratories from the French national scientific research centre CNRS. Industrial partners BERTIN-ALPAO (France) and Space ODT (Portugal) are providing specialist technical expertise, alongside consulting partners from New Zealand and France.
Director of AAO-MQ Professor Richard McDermid says AAO-MQ’s leadership role demonstrates Australia’s strength in astronomical technology.
“Our team leads the overall system design, including optical, mechanical, and electrical design, as well as the critical processes of assembly, integration, testing and verification.
“This positions Australia at the forefront of international astronomical instrumentation,” Professor McDermid says.
Tiger Wang says the project has now entered its critical design phase.
“We began the critical design phase in December 2024, moving us closer to delivering this transformative technology,” he says.
The system will undergo extensive testing before final installation at the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, where it will enhance astronomers’ ability to study celestial objects ranging from nearby planets to distant galaxies.
