Mount Stromlo Observatory
Opened in 1942 the Mount Stromlo Observatory has been the central hub of astronomy in Canberra.  In 1997 a science centre was opened with fascinating displays and exhibits.  From Mount Stromlo Observatory’s elevated position just outside Canberra in the Mount Stromlo pine forest the telescope has very clear views of the beautiful night sky.  Tours of the high powered telescope are available on request and interactive exhibits explains facts about the stars in the sky of the southern hemisphere.

Canberra Space Centre
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) together with America’s NASA, run the Canberra Space Centre which is located at Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. One of only three tracking stations which probe into deep space, in the world, the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is linked directly to NASA Centre in California.  The complex has six satellite dishes the largest having a 230 foot diameter and weighs in at 3,000 tones.  A piece of moon rock 3.8 million years old is on display together with a real space suit.