Welcome

Welcome to the website for the History of Australian Astronomy Chapter (HAAC) of the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA). I am very excited to see this group formed due to the enthusiasm of people from across Australia who, like me, are passionate about the history of astronomy.

Nick Lomb with the historic 29cm telescope at Sydney Observatory, courtesy Powerhouse.

The history of astronomy in Australia is rich and diverse. It includes the observations of First Nations peoples, optical and radio astronomy, professional and amateur astronomers, the formation and operation of organisations, developments in education and political involvement. HAAC aims to create a community that can collaborate and share knowledge between those researching in this area, and those who have an interest in the history.

Numerous research papers and books have been published on the history of Australian astronomy. This website plans to make these publications more visible by listing them in a bibliography. The books and publications are from active astronomers or those who have retired from their research careers and now research history. As well, amateur astronomers and humanities researchers have written about the history of Australian astronomy.

A number of journals include this history, such as the Australian Academy of Science’s Historical Records of in Australian Science, the Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of NSW and the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand’s Southern Stars. The Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage will include papers with international historical significance. Collections of artefacts are preserved and curated by state museums and universities. Many astronomical sites of significance are heritage listed and there are archives held at the National Archives of Australia, as well as state libraries.

This website is a work in progress that will grow with contributions from HAAC members and others. It is aimed at a wide audience: school children doing projects, members of the public with an interest in astronomy and its history, ASA members and active researchers in the subject.

ASA members are most welcome to join HAAC. The easy procedure to do so is given here. Non ASA members, such as amateurs astronomers, with an interest in the history should contact HAAC to enquire about associate ASA membership.

I look forward to wide participation in HAAC activities, such as the upcoming workshop, by people from many different areas of research and levels of expertise.

I thank the Council of the ASA for allowing HAAC to join its other chapters such as the Education and Outreach Chapter (EPOC). Thanks are also due to the members of the interim steering committee and to all who have supported the establishment of HAAC. The hard-working HAAC secretary, Toner Stevenson, and the HAAC webmaster Dirk Goës deserve special thanks for their development of the website.

Nick Lomb

Chair of the History of Australian Astronomy Chapter of the ASA.