STFC says farewell to Anglo-Australian Observatory

Following the UK's accession to the European Southern Observatory, STFC has now officially withdrawn from the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO).

25 June 2010 marked the official handing over of the baton with an event attended by astronomers from around the world.  The event celebrated 36 years of successful collaboration and scientific achievement between UK and Australian astronomers, particularly in the understanding of the expansion of the Universe and its well-earned reputation as a world-leading centre for instrument development.

Known under its new name as the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO), it is now solely owned and operated by the Innovation, Industry, Science and Research of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.