In terms of defining key outcomes, the visit gave astronomers greater clarity as to ESO’s current priorities and where opportunities may lie in future for collaboration. An example of this can be seen via ESO’s commitment to the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which is currently under construction, and its associated instruments. While this may be ESO’s current focus, the delegation made it clear that they were very keen to discover other ways Australia could be involved, including how we could provide some assistance to this enormous undertaking (the ELT).
This feedback alone gave Australian astronomers and government officials useful insight into ESO’s priorities, challenges and future opportunities. Combined with the many other learnings emerging from the visit (including the opportunity for potential synergies between the SKA and ESO), Astronomy Australia Limited (AAL) will continue to work with the National Committee for Astronomy, the Astronomical Society of Australia and the community to prepare the case for full Australian membership of ESO.
These are exciting times and AAL is keen to keep the astronomy community informed of all important developments in this sector. ESO-specific email updates will be sent to all AAL members representatives (starting in 2023), but if you also wish to be kept apprised personally, AAL invites you to subscribe to our email updates – please click on this link to do so. AAL will also be delivering more regular institutional member updates to keep astronomers informed – please keep an eye out for our talks when they are advertised internally to your department.