Noise-free Cryogenic Wavefront Sensing. This project aims to optimise the prototype adaptive optics technology for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) by leveraging past investment in adaptive optics instrumentation and shortwave infrared detector systems. This project expects to generate significant improvements in GMT performance, with ten times greater image resolution than the Hubble Space Telescope and current estimates of >90% sky coverage, compared with ~50% coverage for current technology ....Noise-free Cryogenic Wavefront Sensing. This project aims to optimise the prototype adaptive optics technology for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) by leveraging past investment in adaptive optics instrumentation and shortwave infrared detector systems. This project expects to generate significant improvements in GMT performance, with ten times greater image resolution than the Hubble Space Telescope and current estimates of >90% sky coverage, compared with ~50% coverage for current technology. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of a highly trained workforce and continued international collaboration in the field of high-technology sensor systems. This contribution to the GMT will provide significant benefits—it will change the way we view the Universe.Read moreRead less
Prediction of solar activity and space weather by automated analyses of solar radio and magnetic field observations and simulations. This project will build world-recognised capabilities to forecast space weather events at Earth in time to take protective measures. It involves around the clock automated identification and analysis of specific solar radio bursts, forecasting solar activity that results in transients moving Earth-ward, and simulations to predict when these will reach Earth.
Space weather prediction via automated data analysis systems. The project will build world-recognised capabilities in forecasting space weather events at Earth, in time to take protective measures, identifying and analysing solar drivers of space weather, and modelling interplanetary space. Australia's scientific standing, expertise, and infrastructure will be strengthened in space science, complex systems, and multiple fields of physics. Better predictions will increase the utility of Ionosphe ....Space weather prediction via automated data analysis systems. The project will build world-recognised capabilities in forecasting space weather events at Earth, in time to take protective measures, identifying and analysing solar drivers of space weather, and modelling interplanetary space. Australia's scientific standing, expertise, and infrastructure will be strengthened in space science, complex systems, and multiple fields of physics. Better predictions will increase the utility of Ionospheric Prediction Service services to customers in government, industry, and society, leading to better communications, more assured access to space services, and reduced risks of damage to critical infrastructure. The project will enhance Australia's human capital and its role in global space efforts.Read moreRead less
Plasma layers, waves and fountains: Probing the ionosphere with over-the-horizon radars. The ionised layers of the Earth’s upper atmosphere – the ionosphere - bend radio waves emitted by HF radio communication and radar surveillance systems allowing detection of targets beyond the horizon. This research will provide direct scientific support to this infrastructure including the $1.8B Australian coastal surveillance radars used to locate and track ships and planes in our region and radio communic ....Plasma layers, waves and fountains: Probing the ionosphere with over-the-horizon radars. The ionised layers of the Earth’s upper atmosphere – the ionosphere - bend radio waves emitted by HF radio communication and radar surveillance systems allowing detection of targets beyond the horizon. This research will provide direct scientific support to this infrastructure including the $1.8B Australian coastal surveillance radars used to locate and track ships and planes in our region and radio communication links used by military personnel and civilians living or travelling in Australia’s remote territories. This project will also provide training in areas highly relevant to our partners in government and defense, potentially improve efficiency of scientific and military radars, and thus contribute to improving national security.Read moreRead less
The worlds next door: terrestrial exoplanets with the TOLIMAN space mission. This project aims to to explore our nearest neighbour star system, Alpha Centauri, for the first time probing for exoplanets with physical characteristics that resemble those of Earth. The finding of any such world, with the potential to support a biosphere like our own and lying only 4 light-years away, would profoundly alter our view of our place in the universe. The primary outcome of this project will be the design, ....The worlds next door: terrestrial exoplanets with the TOLIMAN space mission. This project aims to to explore our nearest neighbour star system, Alpha Centauri, for the first time probing for exoplanets with physical characteristics that resemble those of Earth. The finding of any such world, with the potential to support a biosphere like our own and lying only 4 light-years away, would profoundly alter our view of our place in the universe. The primary outcome of this project will be the design, construction, launch and operation of a novel and innovative space telescope: the TOLIMAN mission. This profoundly benefits the Australian space and university sectors, partnering them with international agencies to deliver marquee science with global impact: the search for our first stepping stone to interstellar space.Read moreRead less
Mapping the dark matter with early type galaxies. Unidentified dark matter outweighs luminous matter (stars, gas, and galaxies) by several times and is detected by its gravitational effects in the Universe. The Six Degree Field Galaxy Survey is now complete and this project will prepare a larger survey, which will put the team clearly in the lead in understanding the distribution of dark matter.
Geomagnetic induced currents in the Australian electricity supply network. This project will develop measures to protect the Australian electricity supply network from adverse effects of enhanced solar activity. This is essential for risk assessment and long term asset management of the Australian electricity network.
Australia’s first direct-detection dark matter search, at Stawell Gold Mine. This project aims to develop an underground integrated laboratory at Stawell Gold Mine in Victoria to host the Southern Hemisphere's first-ever direct-detection dark matter experiment. Following the Higgs boson discovery, the direct detection of dark matter is seen as the next major challenge for particle physics. This project sees Australian physicists team up with local and international partners in research and indus ....Australia’s first direct-detection dark matter search, at Stawell Gold Mine. This project aims to develop an underground integrated laboratory at Stawell Gold Mine in Victoria to host the Southern Hemisphere's first-ever direct-detection dark matter experiment. Following the Higgs boson discovery, the direct detection of dark matter is seen as the next major challenge for particle physics. This project sees Australian physicists team up with local and international partners in research and industry to join the search for dark matter. This Australian experiment aims to help to confirm or deny current results from Northern Hemisphere experiments. As the mine nears the end of its working life as a gold mine, this project is expected to benefit the local economy and provide opportunities for education and outreach.Read moreRead less
Monitoring and Predicting Near Real Time Ionospheric Activities with Multi-satellite Data. The ionosphere affects the transmission of electromagnetic waves, which can result in disturbance or intermission of radio signals being used for communication, navigation and other microwave systems. This project aims to monitor and predict near real-time ionospheric activities with multi-satellite data. The expected outcomes include: 1) an innovative algorithm to calculate the Total Electron Content from ....Monitoring and Predicting Near Real Time Ionospheric Activities with Multi-satellite Data. The ionosphere affects the transmission of electromagnetic waves, which can result in disturbance or intermission of radio signals being used for communication, navigation and other microwave systems. This project aims to monitor and predict near real-time ionospheric activities with multi-satellite data. The expected outcomes include: 1) an innovative algorithm to calculate the Total Electron Content from multi-satellite data; 2) an automated software package for mapping 3-dimensional ionospheric profile; and 3) an improved understanding of the detailed processes and causes of ionospheric events, that can enhance the space weather services for Australia and the world.Read moreRead less
Removing the blur: Guidestar lasers for the space industry . The speed and quality of transferring information between earth and space can be greatly enhanced by adaptive optical systems that provide correction for atmospheric aberrations. The laser-generated guidestars that lie at the heart of these systems must be bright, preferably multi-coloured and with low background. By taking advantage of the unique optical properties of diamond, this project aims to develop lasers that produce these adv ....Removing the blur: Guidestar lasers for the space industry . The speed and quality of transferring information between earth and space can be greatly enhanced by adaptive optical systems that provide correction for atmospheric aberrations. The laser-generated guidestars that lie at the heart of these systems must be bright, preferably multi-coloured and with low background. By taking advantage of the unique optical properties of diamond, this project aims to develop lasers that produce these advanced features to fulfil the needs of the space industry sector. These outcomes are expected to create new services and products in the areas of space situational awareness, space debris management and satellite communications, and have major spin-off benefits to astronomy and defence.Read moreRead less