The Australian Astronomy Decadal Plan 2026–2035, outlining the vision and priorities for Australian astronomy over the next decade, was launched last week at the Astronomical Society of Australia’s annual science meeting. The 10-year plan presents nine recommendations for the next decade, grouped into three themes: groundbreaking facilities, building Australian capacity, and a thriving Australian community. Development of the new plan was coordinated by the Australian Academy of Science’s National Committee for Astronomy with input from 13 working groups, comprising more than 250 astronomers, and an extensive survey of more than 550 members of the astronomy community including staff and students from more than 30 Australian institutions across all states and the ACT.

The artwork on the plan’s cover is Seven Sisters (2024) by Wajarri Yamaji artist Noeleen Hamlett. The artwork is part of the Cosmic Echoes: Shared Sky Indigenous Art Exhibition, which is an SKA Observatory initiative, in collaboration with SARAO, CSIRO and the Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation.