Mastodawn

An upcoming conference for Proper Astronomers:

"High Angular Resolution Science with Next-Generation Optical-Infrared Capabilities at ESO", 1st-4th September at @esoastronomy HQ in Garching, Germany.

https://www.eso.org/sci/meetings/2026/MAVIS2026.html

The aim is to explore the science that will be made possible by the MAVIS instrument on the Very Large Telescope and the various instruments of the Extremely Large Telescope (e.g. MICADO, HARMONI, MORFEO) when they come online in the 2030's.

Abstract submission is now open, and the deadline is 15th May.

#Astrodon #Astronomy #MAVISao #MAVIS #ESO #ESO_VLT #ESO_ELT

Anthony Horton Feb 2

Apparently we will be required to verify by test the minimum eigenfrequency of the fully assembled MAVIS instrument (https://mavis-ao.org). One of my colleagues posted this photo of a similar test being performed.

I have a feeling that by the time we have got that far through the assembly, integration and test phase of the project we might have too many volunteers who are eager to hit the instrument with a big hammer. We might need to institute a rule: no taking out your frustrations on MAVIS with the instrumented impact hammer.

#MAVISao #Astrodon

Anthony Horton Dec 10

The MAVIS project is looking for a project manager to fill the Consortium Manager role: https://jobs.anu.edu.au/jobs/mavis-consortium-manager-canberra-act-act-australia-98c6641a-079d-40b2-87f4-be5f05288257

If managing scientific/engineering projects is your thing maybe you can come help us finish building this awesome astronomical instrument: https://mavis-ao.org/

#Astronomy #Astrodon #MAVIS #MAVISao #AdaptiveOptics #AstroJobs

MAVIS Consortium Manager - Canberra / ACT, ACT, Australia

Classification: Senior Manager 2Salary package: Competitive salary package plus 17% superannuationTerm: Full-time, Continuing (Contingent funded) This position is continuing (contingent funded). The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of June 2028. Working at ANU This is an opportunity to work with a world class University that undertakes cutting edge research and has a strong tradition in research-led teaching excellence. We offer: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid arrangements working both on our beautiful, green campus and working remotely, Generous paid parental leave entitlements of up to 32 weeks. We are one of the leading employers in Australia for...

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Anthony Horton Oct 11

Some background info on what MAVIS is, from Astronomy Australia Ltd's blog: https://astronomyaustralia.org.au/blog/news/mavis-a-bold-leap-in-australian-led-astronomy-and-adaptive-optics/

#MAVISFDR #MAVISao #Astrodon

MAVIS: A bold leap in Australian-led Astronomy and Adaptive Optics – Astronomy Australia Limited

Anthony Horton Oct 11

Tomorrow I'm flying to Germany for the MAVIS instrument Final Design Review, which is good.

That does mean I'm going to have to get up in time to take a taxi to the airport at 3:30 am, which is bad. Very bad.

#MAVISFDR #MAVISao #Astrodon

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Anthony Horton Jun 12, 2025

Wide field adaptive optics has been being worked on for a long time, and there have been a number of demonstrator instruments, but there are currently not many facilities in operation. There are, however, a lot more in development.

As an aside, astronomers are terrible at naming things. Look at all those tortured acronyms.

#Astronomy #Astrodon #MAVIS #MAVISao