Stargazers gather as giant telescope comes into focus

WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2008

Some of the world’s leading astronomers and astrophysicists will gather this week at The Australian National University to discuss the construction, challenges and science behind the development of the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT).

The three-day conference will bring together representatives from all of the leading partners in the development of the GMT, including ANU, for a program of discussion about the latest news on the ambitious project, the science behind it and what it will mean to the world of astrophysics.

Upon construction, the GMT is expected to be the largest telescope on earth with seven mirrors measuring 25 metres across. It will be capable of precision imaging of deep space and will aim to spot ‘first light’ – the time immediately after the Big Bang when stars first began their fusion fires. It is expected to be completed by 2017 and will be located in the Andes mountains in Chile.

The conference – Science with The Giant Magellan Telescope – will bring together many of the architects of the GMT plan including Carnegie Observatories Director and GMT Board Chair Wendy Freedman, Roger Angel of the University of Arizona and Chris Sneden from the University of Texas.

Director of ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Harvey Butcher said the conference comes at a milestone mark in the GMT project.

“The telescope has passed its concept design stage and is now ready for some detailed designing. Before the big choices are made we want to have a thorough review of the science and this conference will bring together all of those involved to discuss that,” he said. “This project is going to be one of the most important tools mankind has developed for the discovery of what the universe is like and how it has evolved. It’s a high-tech enterprise and ANU is one of the founding members – helping to define what it’s going to do.”

A full program of speakers is available at http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/GMTMeeting/science.php.

Martyn Pearce, ANU Media Office – (02) 6125 5575 / 0416 249 245

WHAT: Science with The Giant Magellan Telescope conference

WHEN: 9am Wednesday 26 March – Friday 28 March

WHERE: Leonard Huxley Lecture Theatre, Garran Road, Canberra