Physics / Research / IoA
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The Institute of Astronomy


The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) at the University of Sydney is a leading centre for astrophysical research in Australia. Our research spans a wide range of theoretical, observational and instrumental programs.


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University of Sydney
or national IYA2009 activities.


Observational data are obtained from various facilities in Australia, overseas and in orbit. The School operates its own radio telescope, the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope (MOST), while the Sydney University Stellar Interferometer (SUSI) is the major element in a broad program of high resolution optical imaging. Observing opportunities are also frequently awarded at the national facilities in Australia - the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT - optical) and the Australia Telescope (AT - radio).

Research is conducted in many exciting, frontline areas including stellar astrophysics, plasma astrophysics, cataclysmic variables, black-hole binaries, masers, pulsars, supernovae and their remnants, the interstellar medium and the Galactic centre. Beyond our Galaxy, studies include normal galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, clusters of galaxies, active galaxies and quasars, gravitational lensing and cosmology.

The IoA builds on a long tradition of astrophysical research at the University of Sydney, which is briefly described in the IoA history. Recent activities are summarised in Annual Reports.