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Here are some useful links to publications and papers: The SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System Abstract Service provides a gateway to current and historic online Astronomy and Physics literature. The CSIRO's Historical Records of Australian Science includes the history of astronomy in Australia and New Zealand. The Royal Society of New South Wales Journal and Proceedings includes astronomy in its on-line historic database of papers and abstracts of doctoral theses. The index is available here. The Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage publishes refereed research papers, review papers, short communications, IAU reports, and book reviews on all aspects of astronomical history and heritage. The Journal for the History of Astronomy is devoted to the history of astronomy from earliest times to the present and to the broader cultural affiliations of astronomy. PUBLICATIONS LIST The following list is in date order (latest first). It is only the beginning of the resources the HAAC Chapter is creating to help researchers. Date: 2026 Author: De Grijs, R. Title: Mars in the Australian Press, 1875-1899: interpretation, authority and planetary science. Journal: Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 29(1). Link: doi:10.3724/sp.j.1440-2807.2026.01.10. Abstract (excerpt): In the late nineteenth century, Mars emerged as one of the most intensively reported astronomical objects in the popular press, driven by favourable oppositions, improved telescopic capabilities and growing speculation regarding planetary habitability. This paper examines how Mars was interpreted in Australian newspapers between the 1870s and 1899, focusing on the ways in which astronomical knowledge was framed, contextualised and debated within a colonial media environment. Drawing on a large collection of digitised newspaper articles from the National Library of Australia, this study analyses how observational authority, instrumental credibility and individual expertise were harnessed in press reporting. The paper situates Australian Mars coverage within a global network of scientific communication dominated by metropolitan centres in Europe and North America, while highlighting the distinctive role played by Southern-Hemisphere visibility. Australian observatories and observers—most notably Robert Ellery, Henry Russell and Walter Gale—were frequently positioned as contributors of confirmatory observation rather than interpretive leadership, reinforcing a pattern of locally grounded but internationally oriented scientific engagement. Date: 2026 Author: Stevenson, T., McMorrow, K. Title: Eclipsed but not forgotten: two lesser-known Australian expeditions to the 1922 total solar eclipse. Journal: Historical Records of Australian Science 37, HR25013. Link: https://doi.org/10.1071/HR25013 Abstract: When the centenary of the 1922 eclipse was celebrated in 2022, the focus was the absolute proof of Einstein’s theory of General Relativity achieved at Wallal in Western Australia by the Crocker expedition that had been led by William Campbell, the director of the Lick Observatory in California. This paper provides case studies of two lesser-known 1922 expeditions. The first case study is the Adelaide Observatory expedition to a remote sheep station called Cordillo Downs, located near the north-east corner of South Australia. This was the base for the expedition organised by South Australian Government Astronomer, George Dodwell. The second case study is that of the University of Sydney’s expedition to Goondiwindi in southern Queensland, organised by physics professor Oscar Ulrich Vonwiller under the auspices of New South Wales Government Astronomer, William Ernest Cooke. We examine how Adelaide Observatory and the University of Sydney prepared for the eclipse, organised instrument loans and brought together, and relied upon, people with different expertise, including First Nations people and two women scientists. Despite limited resources, preparation time and only minutes in which to perform total eclipse experiments and make observations, there were both successes and failures. We reveal British influence and the extent of the Australian Government’s involvement via a Commonwealth Eclipse Committee–one of the unique aspects of this eclipse. As well as referring to photographs and archival documents, this paper examines the instruments each party used and the glass plate negatives taken at Cordillo Downs to test General Relativity, and where they are now located. Date: 2025 Author: Watson F. Title: S. C. B. ‘Ben’ Gascoigne 1915–2010. Journal: Historical Records of Australian Science 36, HR24034. Link: https://doi.org/10.1071/HR24034 Abstract: Professor Sidney Charles Bartholomew Gascoigne AO, FAA (1915–2010) was an Aotearoa New Zealand-born astronomer whose distinguished career was carried out mostly in Australia. Known to all as Ben Gascoigne, his warm personality and many contributions to Australian optical astronomy made him a respected and much-loved elder statesman of the science. His work on the development and commissioning of the Anglo-Australian Telescope (opened in 1974) is held in particularly high regard. In retirement, Ben took on a new career, supporting his wife Rosalie as she found fame as one of Australia’s most prominent artists. Date: 2025 Author: Watson, F. Title: Celebrating a golden age Journal: Astronomy & Geophysics, Volume 66, Issue 1, February 2025, Pages 1.34–1.37, Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atae085 Abstract: On its 50th anniversary, we revisit the Anglo-Australian Telescope. Date: 2025 Author: Hughes, N.J. Title: Louise Webster: Adelaide's Black Hole Pioneer Journal: Astronomical Society of South Australia Link: Abstract: Betty Louise Turtle (née Webster) was born 20th May 1941 and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. After gaining her Ph.D. Louise worked at the Royal Greenwich Observatory at Herstmonceux, Sussex. It was there in 1971 that she and Paul Murdin were the first astronomers to discover a black hole. After a stint in South Africa Louise returned to Australia, initially working at Siding Spring observatory and then moving in 1978 to the University of New South Wales as a tutor in the School of Physics. Louise published widely and her papers were often cited by other astronomers. In 1989 she was appointed head of the Department of Astrophysics and Optics. Louise died in 1990 and is buried in Adelaide. Despite her significant achievements Louise is not well known. This essay aims to correct this deficiency. Date: 2024 Author: Watson, F. Title: A telescope for a Golden Age. Journal: Australian Geographic, October 2024. Link: https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2024/10/a-telescope-for-a-golden-age/ Abstract: After a stellar 50 years as one of the country’s major scientific assets, the Anglo-Australian Telescope continues to play a major role in keeping Australian astronomy on the world stage. Date: 2024 Author/s: Wendt, H., George, M., Orchiston, W. Title: The history of early low frequency radio astronomy in Australia: Reber, Higgins and the mooted all-sky survey with the Shain Cross. Journal (publication): Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 27, 3, p.p. 655-673. Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024JAHH...27..655W Abstract: During the 1950s and 1960s, Australia was a world leader in the specialised field of low frequency radio astronomy, with two geographically distinct areas of activity. One was in the Sydney region run by the CSIRO Division of Radiophysics (RP), and the other was on the island of Tasmania to the south of the Australian mainland, undertaken by the radio astronomy pioneer Grote Reber, and researchers for the University of Tasmania. This paper deals with Reber's interactions with RP, his unpublished research based on observations taken by Charlie Higgins using the 19.7 MHz Shain Cross in August 1960 and Reber's unsuccessful efforts to lobby for RP to complete a southern sky survey using the Shain Cross. Tags: Radio Astronomy Date: 2024 Authors: Lomb, N., Orchiston, W., Jacob, A. Journal: Journal & Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales, vol. 157, part 2, 2024, pp. 173–190. ISSN 0035-9173/24/020173-18 Title: George Denton Hirst: a remarkable Sydney amateur astronomer. Abstract: Australian businessman George Denton Hirst was a prominent amateur astronomer for four decades. He was an observer at the 1874 transit of Venus, and he also successfully observed a transit of Mercury in 1894. He observed the planets Mars and Venus and made micrometric measurements of double stars. Thanks to his superb drawing skills, his drawings of Jupiter at opposition brought him to international prominence. Hirst joined a number of scientific societies, starting with the Royal Society of New South Wales, to which he enthusiastically contributed papers in astronomy and in another interest, microscopy. Not only did Hirst contribute papers, but he was always willing to serve on committees, as a member, as a secretary, as chair or as president. Date: 2023. Author/s: Fuller, R. S. and Hamacher, D. W. Title: The Astronomy of the Aboriginal Peoples of the Sydney Basin Book: Essays on Astronomical History and Heritage. A Tribute to Wayne Orchiston on his 80th Birthday. New York, NY: Springer New York, 2023, pp. 635-659 Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2023eahh.book..635F Abstract: We present results of a preliminary study of the astronomical knowledge and traditions of the seven major Aboriginal language groups in the Sydney Basin. We establish a basic dataset of oral traditions (stories), vocabulary, and examples of cultural heritage relating to astronomical traditions. Using a combination of primarily ethno-historical documents and material culture, we explore the relationship between Aboriginal astronomical knowledge and cultural traditions, cosmology, natural resources, calendar development, law, ceremony, and material traditions. We conduct a thematic analysis of the collected information and place this within a larger framework of comparative analysis with other Aboriginal communities in south-eastern Australia in general. Tags: Indigenous Astronomy Date: 2023 Author/s: Goss, W. M., Hooker, C., Ekers, R. D., and Pawsey, J. L., Title: Joe Pawsey and the founding of Australian radio astronomy: early discoveries, from the sun to the cosmos. Book: Cham: Springer International Publishing. OCLC: 1363828567 Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2023jpfa.book.....G Abstract: This open access book is a biography of Joseph L. Pawsey. It examines not only his life but the birth and growth of the field of radio astronomy and the state of science itself in twentieth century Australia. The book explains how an isolated continent with limited resources grew to be one of the leaders in the study of radio astronomy and the design of instruments to do so. Pawsey made a name for himself in the international astronomy community within a decade after WWII and coined the term radio astronomy. He recruited young scientists who became the technical and methodological innovators of the era, building new telescopes from the Mills Cross and Chris (Christiansen) Cross to the Parkes radio telescope… Tags: Biographies; Obituaries; Radio astronomy Date: 2023 Author/s: Lomb, N., Stevenson, T. Title: Eclipse Chasers Book: CSIRO Publishing Link: https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8098/ Abstract: Eclipse Chasers is a guide to past and future Australian total solar eclipses, exploring historical and cultural knowledge... The science of eclipses is explained, as well as how to prepare for an eclipse and view it safely. For upcoming eclipses the best locations to view each one are revealed, alongside tips for taking photographs. The book also reveals untold stories of how past Australian astronomers observed the total eclipses that have occurred since European settlement, and how these eclipses were celebrated in popular culture, poetry and art. It explores the great significance of solar eclipses for First Nations peoples, and their observations and cultural meanings. Tags: Solar eclipses, astronomers, women in astronomy Date: 2023 Author: Stevenson, T. Title: Melbourne Observatory's Astrographic women: star measurers and computers Journal: Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 26, 2, p.p. 325-338. Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2023JAHH...26..325S Abstract: In Australia a significant number of women were employed to measure, log and calculate the position of stars for the Astrographic Catalogue at Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth Observatories…This paper provides a background to the social, legal and gender-specific barriers women faced and then focuses on the first women employed at Melbourne Observatory to measure the stars on glass plate negatives and calculate their relative positions. Charlotte Peel, Lillian Lewis, Muriel Heagney and Sarah Noonan, who worked for various periods of time on the Astrographic Catalogue between 1898 and 1918, are case studied… Tags: Women in astronomy, Observatories Date: 2022 Author: de Grijs, R. Title: Gravitational conundrum: confusing clock-rate measurements on the 'First Fleet' from England to Australia. Journal: Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 25, 4, p.p. 737-744. Link where available): https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022JAHH...25..737D Abstract: Voyages of exploration often included astronomers among their crew to aid with maritime navigation. William Dawes, a British Marine who had been trained in practical astronomy, was assigned to the 'First Fleet', a convoy of eleven ships that left England in May 1787 bound for Botany Bay (Sydney, Australia). Dawes was also expected to take measurements of the local gravitational acceleration, g, at any port of call by measuring the daily rate by which his Shelton pendulum clock differed from that at Greenwich, its calibration location. Although Dawes and Nevil Maskelyne, Britain's fifth Astronomer Royal, had planned to obtain clock-rate… Tags: Colonial Era (pre-1901) Date: 2021 Author/s: Graham, A. W., Kenyon, K. H., Bull, L. J., Lokuge Don, V. C., and Kuhlmann, K., Title: History of Astronomy in Australia: Big-Impact Astronomy from World War II until the Lunar Landing (1945–1969) Journal: Galaxies, 9, 2, article id. 24, 2021 Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021Galax...9...24G Abstract: Radio astronomy commenced in earnest after World War II, with Australia keenly engaged through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. At this juncture, Australia's Commonwealth Solar Observatory expanded its portfolio from primarily studying solar phenomena to conducting stellar and extragalactic research. Subsequently, in the 1950s and 1960s, astronomy gradually became taught and researched in Australian universities. However, most scientific publications from this era of growth and discovery have no country of affiliation in their header information... In 2014, we used the then-new Astrophysics Data System (ADS) tool Bumblebee to overcome this challenge and track down the Australian-led astronomy papers published…after World War II, from 1945 until the lunar landing in 1969… Tags: Radio astronomy, Women in astronomy Date: 2020 Author: Lomb, N. Title: Australia and the International Astronomical Union: the 1973 Sydney general assembly Journal: Historical Records of Australian Science 31, 118-126. Link: https://doi.org/10.1071/HR20004 Abstract: Formed in 1919, the International Astronomical Union is the international body representing professional astronomers. Australia joined the union soon after its formation but, due to financial difficulties, dropped out for a few years until re-joining just before World War 2…After Australia’s bid to host a general assembly in 1967 or 1970 was unsuccessful, another bid was made for 1973. This second bid was accepted by the union’s executive council and confirmed in a letter from the union’s general secretary. The five years of planning and organisation for the assembly were made difficult by several external threats…Despite this and other problems, the 1973 general assembly was regarded as highly successful. Related website: https://asa.astronomy.org.au/ Tags: Astronomical Society of Australia Date: 2015 Author: Lomb, N. Title: How Astronomers Focused the Scope of their Discussions: The Formation of the Astronomical Society of Australia. Journal: Historical Records of Australian Science 26, 36-57. Link: https://doi.org/10.1071/HR14030 Abstract: Scientific societies provide an important forum for scientists to meet and exchange ideas. In the early days of European settlement in Australia the few people interested in the sciences joined together to form societies that embraced all their individual disciplines. From 1888 the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science with its different sections allowed a growing number of astronomers to share meetings only with researchers in the closely allied fields of mathematics and physics. Eventually, all three of these groups formed their own societies with the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) being the last in 1966… Related website: https://asa.astronomy.org.au/ Tags: Astronomical Society of Australia Date: 2014 Author: Stevenson, T. Title: Making Visible the First Women in Astronomy in Australia: The Measurers and Computers Employed for the Astrographic Catalogue Journal: Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, Volume 31. Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014PASA...31...18S Abstract: In Australia a significant number of women were employed to measure and compute the position of stars for the Astrographic Catalogue at Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth Observatories. New archival research has provided evidence that the first women employed in astronomy in Australia were engaged due to this project. Tags: Women in astronomy, Observatories Date: 2010 Author/s: Haynes, R., Haynes, R. D., Malin, D., and McGee, R., Title: Explorers of the Southern Sky Book: Cambridge University Press Link: https://www.cambridge.org/au/universitypress/subjects/physics/history-philosophy-and-foundations-physics/explorers-southern-sky-history-australian-astronomy Contents: 1. Dreaming the stars; 2. Sailing south for a new sky; 3. Astronomy in Sydney town; 4. The struggle for independence; 5. A bid for fame; 6. For love of the subject; 7. Astronomy on a national basis; 8. From swords to ploughshares; 9. Radio astronomy and the big telescopes; 10. Entrepreneurs in astronomy; 11. The advantage of latitude; 12. The high-energy frontier; 13. Diversity through innovation; 14. Optical astronomy goes high tech; 15. A telescope as wide as a continent; Glossary of abbreviations; Glossary of scientific and technical words; Bibliography; Tags: Observatories, Radio astronomy, Indigenous astronomy Date: 2010 Author: Watson, F. Title: Obituary: Sidney Charles Bartholomew 'Ben' Gascoigne (1915 - 2010). Journal: The Observatory Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010Obs...130..274W Abstract: n/a Tags: Biographies, Obituaries Date: 2004 Author: Lomb, N. Title: The Instruments from Parramatta Observatory Journal: Historical Records of Australian Science, 15, 2, pp. 211-222 Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2004HRAuS..15..211L Abstract: Sydney Observatory, Australia's oldest existing observatory, was built in 1858 on what is now called Observatory Hill. With such a long continuous history the Observatory has a good collection of astronomical instruments relating to its own history. Moreover, the collection extends further back to Parramatta Observatory, set up in 1821 by Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane. After the closure of that observatory in 1847 its instruments were retained in the colony and given to the fledgling Sydney Observatory on its establishment… This paper discusses the use of these instruments at Parramatta and their subsequent fate at Sydney Observatory. Related source: Powerhouse collection: https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/ Tags: Observatories, Colonial Era (pre-1901) Date: 2003 Author: Orchiston, W. Title: Passion and patronage: The Afro-Australian astronomy of Robert Thorburn Ayton Innes. Journal: Monthly Notes of the Astronomical Society of South Africa, vol. 62, p. 8, 2003. Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/scan/manifest/2003MNSSA..62....8O?art=true Date: 2000 Author: Utting, M Title: Astronomy in Western Australia Volume 3: 1940-1962 Published by the Perth Observatory ISBN 0-646-39450-9 Abstract: This book details the work of the Perth Observatory between 1940 and 1962 under the Government Astronomer Hyman Solomon Spigl. It details a torrid period of political, financial and societal changes where staffing levels were the lowest in the Observatory’s history. It’s culmination was Spigl’s death and the first to keep the Observatory open before its relocation from the CBD to the Perth Hills. Date: 1999 Author/s: Watson, F., Bell, R. Title: 25 years at the AAT. Journal: Astronomy Now, 13, pp. 22-25. Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1999AsNow..13...22W Abstract: n/a Tags: Observatories Date: 1994 Author: Edwards, P. G. Title: The Adelaide Observatory after Todd Journal: Astronomical Society of Australia, Proceedings, 11, 2, p.p. 206-210 Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1994PASA...11..206E Abstract: Charles Todd, who established the Adelaide Observatory on West Terrace in 1860, retired as Government Astronomer at the end of 1906. In 1908 the meteorological duties of the Observatory were taken over by the Commonwealth, and the Observatory lost most of its staff. Following the promotion of George Dodwell to the position of Government Astronomer in 1909, the Observatory was slowly re-established and undertook a range of astronomical and other work, which is described in detail in this paper. The Observatory was transferred to the University of Adelaide in 1940. Dodwell finished working as Government Astronomer in 1952. Tags: Observatories Date: 1993 Author: Edwards, P. G. Title: Charles Todd and the Adelaide Observatory Journal: Proceedings of the Astronomical Society of Australia, Vol. 10, Issue 4, p. 349 Link: 10.1017/S1323358000026023 Abstract: Charles Todd was the first Government Astronomer and Superintendent of Telegraphs in South Australia. Most widely known for his instrumental role in the construction of the Overland Telegraph, linking Australia and England, Todd also established the Adelaide Observatory and made valuable contributions to both astronomy and meteorology. Tags: Observatories Date: 1993 Author: Utting, M Title: Astronomy in Western Australia Volume 2: 1912-1940 Published by the Perth Observatory ISBN 0-86905-249-7 Abstract: This book details the work of the Perth Observatory between 1912 and 1940 under the Government Astronomer Harold Burham Curlewis. The main work of the Observatory at this time was the continuation of the Astrographic Catalogue including a catalogue on double stars. However, his surveying background saw him involved in defining the South Australian and Western Australian borders. The advent of the Great War & Depression was to bring its challenges. Date: 1992 Author: Utting, M Title: Astronomy in Western Australia Volume 1: 1896-1912 Published by the Perth Observatory ISBN 0-7309-5438-2 Abstract: This book details the work of the Perth Observatory between its foundation in 1896 and 1912 under Western Australia’s first Government Astronomer, William Ernest Cooke. The initial work of the Observatory was meteorology. By 1901, the Observatory accepted zones within the Astrographic Catalogue project which would become its primary work, although time, tides, seismology, teaching of surveying & geodesy and weather were factored into its workload where time permitted. Date: 1991 Author: Utting, M Title: Windows to the Southern Skies Published by Murdoch University and the Perth Observatory, Western Australia Abstract: This 40-page booklet covers early astronomy in Western Australia including European visitors, British settlement and the move for the Perth Observatory’s foundation. Date: 1989 Author: Utting, M Title: Cooke’s Perth Observatory Published by the Government Printer, Western Australia Abstract: This 22-page booklet was the first publication by the Observatory’s Honorary Historian detailing aspects of its foundation and first Government Astronomer William Ernest Cooke. Date: 1988 Author: Orchiston, W. Title: Illuminating Incidents in Antipodean Astronomy - Phillip Parker King and the Founding of Sydney Observatory Published by Vistas in Astronomy, vol. 32, no. 3, Elsevier, pp. 285–301, 1988. Link: doi:10.1016/0083-6656(88)90413-8.

Speaker: Stephanie Rossini-Bryson is a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney researching the next generation of interferometers This presentation was delivered at the first HAAC seminar, 19 November 2025. Link to the 16 minute YouTube recording: https://youtu.be/pRW9R00PyD8 Abstract: In the 1960s, on a dusty plain near Narrabri in northern New South Wales, Australia became home to one of the most ambitious astronomy experiments of its time: the Narrabri Stellar Intensity Interferometer. Built by Robert Hanbury Brown and Richard Twiss, this instrument determined the angular diameters of hot main-sequence stars, which helped refine our understanding of stellar lives and temperatures. But beyond its astronomical findings, the story of the Narrabri interferometer is one of persistence and creativity of scientists building world-leading instruments in the Australian bush. It marked a turning point in physics, sparking debates about the nature of light and laying the groundwork for the field of quantum optics. This presentation revisits the creation, achievements, and lasting influence of the Narrabri Stellar Intensity Interferometer. Bio: Stephanie Rossini-Bryson is a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney researching the next generation of interferometers, specifically the GLINT instrument at the Subaru telescope in Hawai’i. Alongside her research, she works at Sydney Observatory, blending her passion for astronomy and public outreach to make the universe accessible to everyone.

Centre: Louise Webster (Storey and Faulkner, 1991), all other photos courtesy Nick Lomb, except top centre courtesy Powerhouse. Our second annual workshop will be held on Wednesday 18 November 2025, 2pm to 4:30pm AEDT (UTC+11). It is open to members and non-members of the ASA and the Chapter and is free of charge. If you have research you want to share now is the time to let us know! Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA)'s History of Australian Astronomy Chapter (HAAC) members are invited to submit an abstract to present a 15-minute paper (plus brief questions) online, on an aspect of Australian astronomical history. We are seeking papers that will spark discussion, bring new or lesser-known histories to the fore. The chapter's Steering Committee will select the three most suitable papers. Others may be kept in mind for future webinars. Submissions close at 5pm, 20 August 2026. To submit please send an email to secretary.asa.haac@gmail.com with the following information and within the advised word count: Your name: title (if appropriate), forename, surname Organisation or independent researcher: Title: (max 12 words) Abstract: (max 150 words) Short Bio: (max 100 words) Submissions close at 5pm, 20 August 2026.

History of Australian Astronomy Chapter of the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) The ASA’s History of Australian Astronomy Chapter (HAAC) brings together astronomers, historians, curators, educators and specialists in this field to collaborate and share knowledge. We note that history can involve serious and detailed archival research to bring the past to light. We encourage all ASA members to share historical information. This could be the history of their institution, people that they had worked with, their own career path or changes in techniques in their research field. We welcome all interested ASA members to join HAAC . Non-members need to join the ASA first. Our Aims include: To foster a community to raise interest in the history of Australian astronomy among ASA members. To recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomies as living bodies of knowledge practiced through cultural traditions and actively include the role of Indigenous Astronomy as part of the history of Australian astronomy. To develop as a public resource a list of Australian astronomical history archives, collections, publications and activity, to encourage collaboration. To encourage members to publish historical papers (including reminiscences). To hold an annual history of Australian astronomy workshop (online/hybrid mode). Our charter is available here . The Saga of the Astrographic Telescope at Sydney Observatory Nick Lomb May 1 Recording of 'Celebrating 60 years of the Melbourne Planetarium - Australia’s oldest operating planetarium' webinar HAAC Committee Apr 23 Rooftop Secrets: observatories at the University of Melbourne Richard Gillespie Apr 9

Alan Vaughan (1946 -2026) Alan Vaughan passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday 5 May 2026. Alan completed his honours degree at University of Sydney in 1968 then continued to a PhD searching for pulsars with the Molonglo radio telescope under the supervision of Michael Large. The early discoveries were reported in several papers in Nature during 1968 (e.g. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1968Natur.220..753L). Alan graduated in 1975 and joined Macquarie University. He continued research John O'Byrne May 17 William Bruce McAdam (1932-2026) Bruce McAdam, photo courtesy Jan McAdam One of the "originals" in radio astronomy - Bruce McAdam - died quietly at home on the night of Monday 27 April 2026, aged 94, some 30 years after his retirement from the University of Sydney. Bruce McAdam was one of the "originals" in radio astronomy. Bruce's first paper titled 'A survey of radio sources at a frequency of 159 Mc/s' was published in 1959. He was full of excellent stories about the Cambridge vs. USyd controversy on radio John O'Byrne May 17 Donald Charles Morton ( 1933-2026) Obituary of astronomer Don Morton who was Director of the Anglo-Australian Observatory from 1976 to 1986. HAAC Committee May 16

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 ev HAAC Committee May 6