Observatory gets more stargazing power

ASTRONOMERS have a new stargazing gadget they hope will lead to breakthroughs in their exploration of the Milky Way.

The federal government hopes it will help Australia remain a world leader in astronomy, Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said as he launched the $13 million instrument called HERMES at Siding Spring Observatory on Wednesday.

It can capture and analyse light from up to 400 stars at the same time, helping astronomers map the age and movements of stars and explain the formation of our local galaxy, the Milky Way.