CSIRO invites our ATNF colleagues and collaborators to celebrate the ASKAP radio telescope’s completion of observations for the FLASH survey.  

Through ASKAP’s survey science projects, international teams are using the telescope’s advanced capabilities to learn even more about the Universe. These survey science projects have also been beautifully illustrated by Wajarri Yamaji artists. The Wajarri Yamaji are the Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of the Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory site, where ASKAP is located.  

FLASH (First Large Absorption Survey in HI), is a science survey project that works almost like a flashlight. It looks for areas where a bright background light filters through lots of hydrogen gas. By analysing how the light has changed on its journey, FLASH can uncover characteristics of the gas. 

With hydrogen gas the raw material from which new stars are formed, the completion of these observations is a major milestone in our understanding of galaxy evolution. FLASH is building a significant amount of data about a time in the Universe’s history that we know very little about – between four and eight billion years ago.  

Join us as we recognise the dedication of the scientists, engineers, and support staff throughout CSIRO and the FLASH team who made this achievement possible.  

The event will include a brief overview of the survey’s journey and early highlights, followed by refreshments and an opportunity to reflect on the science enabled – and the discoveries still to come.

See our news item on the event and download the posters!

Details

When: 14 May 2026

Time: 1:00pm – 2:45pm AEST / 11:00am – 12:45pm AWST

Location: Marsfield (Lecture Theatre), Kensington (Auditorium), Geraldton (MSF Conference Room) and Online

Program