Title:[0362] The dome of the AAT and the utilities building Caption:Siding Spring Observatory stands on a rocky outcrop of the Warrumbungle mountains, overlooking the Warrumbungle National Park in northwestern New South Wales. There are eight or so telescopes operated on this mountain, but the dome of the AAT is the most imposing, rising nearly 50 meters from the ground. Inside are offices, dark rooms, laboratories and small workshops and the many pieces of equipment required for the efficient operation of a large optical telescope in a remote location. The upper part of the building rotates and when the telescope is in use a small opening in the dome is positioned directly in front of it. Copyright:(c) 1977 Anglo-Australian Telescope Board, photograph by David Malin Credit:D. F. Malin

Title:[0363] The telescope control console of the AAT Caption:A night assistant's job is to monitor the movement and activities of the telescope during the night, ensure that everything is functioning correctly, and keep a record of the telescope use. Before him, is an array of buttons, lights and dials and television displays. Many of these are linked to the computer which is responsible, second-by-second, for the motions of the telescope essential to follow the stars accurately across the sky. The night assistant is on duty throughout the night and is the essential link between astronomer and telescope. Copyright:(c) 1980 Anglo-Australian Telescope Board, photograph by David Malin Credit:D. F. Malin