Mount Stromlo Observatory (MSO) is the headquarters of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, located approximately 18km southwest of the centre of Canberra, in the ACT.  The administrative centre, the offices of the astronomers and students, the mechanical, electronic and optical workshops, and the computer laboratories are located at MSO.

Since much of the site was damaged in the 2003 Canberra bushfires, there are no longer working research telescopes at MSO - all of the telescopes and associated maintenance facilities are located at Siding Spring Observatory (SSO). However, the reconstruction of MSO has included the development of the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre and rebuilding the heritage Commonwealth Solar Observatory building.

Established in 1924 (as the Commonwealth Solar Observatory), MSO was one of the earliest developments in the ACT. You can read a short history of the observatory, and browse our photo galleries, including some from the early days of the observatory.

Download a visitor's walking guide to MSO (PDF, 377kB) and information about the observatory sites at Mount Stromlo (PDF, 2MB). When you visit Mount Stromlo, you can now enjoy a delicious meal and stunning views from the Scope Mount Stromlo cafe, located in the MSO visitor centre building.

Our Information for members of the public page provides more information about visiting Mount Stromlo.