Our search for answers has led astronomers to build larger and larger telescopes, and to stretch the frontiers of engineering, detector technology, and computing. The search has continued to surprise us with new insights into the most fundamental questions that we can ask. Australia has had a prominent role in this journey of discovery. Worldwide, billion-dollar investments in astronomical facilities are being made. Australia maintains its international prominence through expertise in carefully chosen areas of instrumentation and technology.
Astronomy is the science in which Australia has the greatest impact on the world stage.
Australia also has a long and proud tradition of exploration and discovery in Antarctica. Douglas Mawson was perhaps the earliest antarctic astronomer, having discovered the first meteorite in Antarctica in 1912 and realising its significance for science. Interestingly, there is a natural reason to combine Australia's strengths in astronomy and antarctic exploration and to place a telescope in Antarctica. Consequently, to see the faintest galaxies, our telescopes, and the sky they look through, have to be as cold as possible. The best location on the Earth's surface for infrared astronomy is Antarctica.