The Exploratory, located adjacent to the working telescopes of the Stromlo Observatory, is designed to allow the public to experience the excitement of astronomical research. The quality and number of its interactive exhibits make the centre one of the best of its kind in the world. One of the first things a visitor notices is the building's central dome. This houses a solar telescope, containing the actual lens used in the original 1920s Stromlo Common-wealth Solar Observatory. On sunny days, the roof opens up, the lens tracks the sun, and a beam is reflected into a viewing table.
Visitors can safely observe the sun's face, complete with sunspots.
One of the main concepts Exploratory Manager, Dr Tony Oldfield, wants to convey is 24 hour astronomy. Hence, visitors can use the 14 inch Celestron robotic telescope for actual observations during the day. There is no manual control, so the telescope never faces the sun. The telescope also transfers the image to a monitor, so an entire class can see at once. The Exploratory is part of ACT Tourist Drive 5.