Anniversaries

Photographs of sites connected to the history of astronomy by Nick Lomb

Anniversaries offer the opportunity to remember and reflect on the past, what has changed and what have we preserved or adopted long-term. The following anniversaries are intended to stimulate interest in Australian astronomical events that occurred 25 or more years ago in quarter century increments. Anniversaries can have different meanings for those who experienced them or for the consequences of the event. Not all are celebrations. If you would like to contribute please send the date and one line of text (similar to that below) to the HAAC secretary.

2026

1  August 1926 -  Dismissal of William Ernest Cooke as government astronomer for NSW

In 1926 Walter Duffield moved into Mt Stromlo and observational work began

23 October 1976 - Total solar eclipse passing through Ballarat and Melbourne (50 year anniversary)

6th November 1901, the commencement of the Astrographic catalogue at the Perth Observatory (125 year anniversary)

2027

10th March 1977, the co-discovery of the rings of Uranus at the Perth Observatory  (50 year anniversary)

2028

2029

In 1929 Mt Stromlo solar observatory Director Walter Duffield died suddenly. He was not replaced for 10 years.

2030

1930 Adelaide Observatory was relinquished by the State and taken over by Adelaide University. Find out more here.

2031

2032

2033

The greatly modified Great Melbourne telescope commenced operation at Mt Stromlo in 1958. (75 year anniversary)

2034

12 September 2009 - From Earth to Universe exhibition for the International Year of Astronomy opened at the Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo. (25 year anniversary)

2035

2036

16th April 1986, The discovery of Cyanogen jets in comet Halley, changing comet theories of the time (50 year anniversary)

31 October 1961 the Parkes radio Telescope was inaugurated. (75 year anniversary)

2037

2038

2039

2040

2041

30th September 1966, the Anniversary of the laying of the 2nd Perth Observatory Foundation Stone at Bickley in Perth hills (75 year anniversary)

2042

2043

2044

2045

4th August 1970, the first minor planet discovered at the Perth Observatory in Bickley, MP 2993 Wendy. Discovered by Mr. P. Birch, Astronomer at the Perth Observatory and named after his wife (75 year anniversary)

2046

8th April 1971, the start of the International Planetary Patrol Program (IPPP) at the Perth Observatory. A NASA funded project who's goal was the continual collection of images and data on the large-scale atmospheric and surface features of solar system planets, most notably Mars, Jupiter and Venus (75 year anniversary)

29th September 1896, the Anniversary of the laying of the Perth Observatory Foundation Stone at Mt Eliza on the outskirts of the City (150 year anniversary)