Physics / Research / SIfA
The University of Sydney University    Faculty of Science    School of Physics

The Sydney Institute for Astronomy


The team at the Sydney Institute for Astronomy is leading the charge in terms of Astronomy and Physics, on a national and international level, with cutting edge theoretical and observational research, and the application of new technology for the next generation of instruments and telescopes. As well as being a research leader, the group is committed to excellence in postgraduate training and research-led undergraduate training.


Click here to learn about
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.

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