The University of Western Australia's (UWA) Gingin-based Zadko Telescope will get a clearer view thanks to an agreement signed between UWA and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) that enhances the partnership between these two organisations.

The one-metre robotic Zadko Telescope is currently housed in an inadequate dome that is not up to the rigours of robotic operation.

Under the collaboration between DEC and UWA, DEC will contribute $100,000 towards the construction of a new building where the telescope will reach its full potential.

DEC astronomer Ralph Martin of Perth Observatory said: "Part of the collaboration with UWA includes searching for undiscovered planets orbiting distant stars."

Zadko Telescope Director, UWA Associate Professor David Coward, said the new Zadko Observatory building would significantly enhance the research capabilities of DEC and UWA.

"The upgrade will also strengthen our collaboration with TAROT, the French international network of robotic telescopes (Fast Action Telescopes for Transient Objects).  Our international team will be on the hunt for new planets and exploding stars," he said.

"The new Zadko Observatory building will also allow our collaboration to scan the sky for space junk that threatens the satellites on which we depend for almost every aspect of daily life from telecommunications, weather reports, security and navigation, to information about mineral deposits."

Media references

Associate Professor David Coward (UWA School of Physics)  (+61 8)  6488 4563
DEC Media  (+61 8)  6467 5555
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)..(+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716