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Perth Observatory Standard Astrograph with Mr. Hyman Solomon Spigl – Perth Observatory Archives P129-1 The Perth Observatory’s 13-inch* Sir Howard Grubb ‘Standard’ Astrographic telescope arrived in Western Australia aboard the steamship Devon  in early 1898. Western Australia’s first Government Astronomer, William Ernest Cooke, was interviewed by The West Australian  newspaper in Albany on 6 November 1897, shortly after returning from England on the ship Austral . Having inspected the telescope during his visit to England, Cooke reported that he was carrying with him the two objective lenses of the instrument. Current research indicates that the telescope was installed at the Observatory in July 1898. Its first recorded astronomical use is noted in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society  (Vol. 59, p. 151) on 13 November 1898, when a hand-held camera was attached to the telescope’s tube to photograph the Leonid's meteor shower. During 1899 and 1900, however, the telescope’s use was limited due to funding restrictions, a shortage of staff, and the Observatory’s initial focus on meteorological work. During this period, it was employed mainly for the benefit of visitors. By November 1901, the telescope was dedicated exclusively to observations for the International Astrographic Catalogue (AC), covering the declination zone –32°S to –40°S, a project that continued for the next 20 years. Constructed in 1897, the telescope comprised a 10-inch** visual refractor (the top tube in the image above), and a 13-inch* photographic tube with a glass plate holder (the bottom tube in the image above). The telescope can still be seen at the Perth Observatory in Bickley, Western Australia. *33cm **25. 4cm

The Perth Observatory's 6-inch* Troughton & Simms Meridian Reversible Transit Circle arrived in Australia in 1898 and was immediately put to work. Its first use was to set the State's latitude & longitude, as well as the State's standard time; from 1901 it was then used to create a standard star reference frame of 420 stars for the Perth Astrographic Catalogue covering the declination zone -32°S to -40°S. The Perth Observatory in Western Australia provided a crucial southern hemisphere astrometric observatory connection between the Eastern States (Sydney & Melbourne observatories) and Cape Town Observatory in South Africa. The telescope can still be seen in the foyer of the main building at the Perth Observatory in Bickley, Western Australia after being fully restored for the Observatory's centenary in 1996. *15cm Perth Observatory Meridian Transit Circle - Perth Observatory Archives

Unless otherwise indicated the photographs on this website can be reproduced with acknowledgement of the photographer and source (where shown) and 'courtesy of the History of Australian Astronomy Chapter (HAAC)'. Sir Thomas Brisbane, then governor of NSW, established Parramatta Observatory in 1821. Initially, its astronomers observed star positions with a transit telescope that provided right ascensions and a mural circle that provided star declinations. A transit circle, an instrument that combined the functions of the earlier instruments, arrived in 1835. Made by Thomas Jones of London, it was placed asymmetrically between two piers. These piers, as shown, are the only extant remains of Parramatta Observatory. Photo Nick Lomb Sydney Observatory began operating in 1858, with the Reverend William Scott as the first government astronomer. It is located on Observatory Hill, which is the highest point in central Sydney. The location was chosen so that its time ball could be seen from as much of Sydney Harbour as possible. The observatory is now under the auspices of the Powerhouse Museum. Photo Nick Lomb Melbourne Observatory was established in 1863 under the supervision of Government Astronomer Robert L. J. Ellery. The observatory’s variety of instruments included the famous Great Melbourne Telescope. Two of its instruments were, and still are, in the two domes pictured. The left dome contains an 8-inch (20-cm) lens telescope by the London makers Troughton & Simms, while the other dome holds the Dallmeyer photoheliograph, an instrument designed to take photos of the Sun. Photo Nick Lomb The photoheliograph, an instrument designed to photograph the Sun, in a dome at Melbourne Observatory. London instrument maker, John Henry Dallmeyer made this and a number of similar instruments for the 1874 transit of Venus. One of the other photoheliographs went to Sydney Observatory. Although back in its original location, the photoheliograph is privately owned by a senior member of the amateur group, Astronomical Society of Victoria. Photo Nick Lomb Perth Observatory began operations in 1896 with William Ernest Cooke as its first government astronomer. It was situated on Mt Eliza that overlooks the city of Perth. In the 1960s it was demolished and the observatory transferred to Bickley, about 25 km east of Perth. The residence of the government astronomer remains, as shown. Photo Nick Lomb The dome of the Lowell telescope at Perth Observatory is raised nine metres above the ground. The elevation above the surrounding bush improves the telescope’s images by ensuring a smooth flow of air. The telescope was officially opened in 1971 and belongs to the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, USA. Among other research, astronomers using the telescope were the co-discovers of the rings around the planet Uranus in 1977. Photo Nick Lomb John Tebbutt (1834–1916) was a well-known amateur astronomer with an observatory at his home in the town of Windsor, just outside Sydney. He became internationally famous with his discoveries of the Great Comet of 1861, followed up with the discovery of another bright comet 20 years later. Tebbutt’s largest telescope was an 8-inch (20-cm) Grubb lens telescope. After Tebbutt’s death in 1916 the telescope had a number of locations, including over 40 years in New Zealand. It is now back in its original location, in the pictured dome. Photo Nick Lomb Ballarat observatory opened in 1886 as the first municipal observatory in Australia. Its largest telescope is a locally-built 26-inch (66-cm) Newtonian reflector. Shown is the Observatory’s Jelbart dome containing a 5-inch (13-cm) Cooke lens telescope. Photo Nick Lomb The main telescope at Mt Stromlo Observatory was a 74-inch (1.9-m) reflecting telescope. It was opened in 1955 and remained the largest in Australia until the Anglo-Australian telescope began operations in 1975. The telescope was housed in this dome but was unfortunately destroyed in the Stromlo fire of 2003. Photo Nick Lomb The Carnegie image-tube spectrograph at the Cassegrain focus of the Mount Stromlo 74-inch (1.9-m) reflector in 1968. Below is the lifting mechanism that allowed observers to operate instruments at that focus and track with the telescope. Photo Nick Lomb The control desk of the Mount Stromlo 74-inch (1.9-m) reflector in 1968, used by the night assistants. Further Mt Stromlo historical images are available at https://archives.anu.edu.au/exhibitions/through-adversity-stars-100-years-mount-stromlo-observatory Photo Nick Lomb Mount Stromlo Observatory purchased Melbourne Observatory’s Great Melbourne Telescope in 1940. The massive polar axis and other parts were then utilised in  a new 50-inch (1.3-m) telescope. The 2003 Mt Stromlo fire telescope destroyed the telescope and many other instruments and buildings at the observatory. The photo was taken soon after the fire. Photo Nick Lomb In 2008, the burnt-out parts of the Great Melbourne Telescope were brought back to Melbourne. There the Museum of Victoria and a dedicated team of volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Victoria are working to restore the telescope. The restoration project is continuing, but the now reassembled telescope can be seen at Scienceworks, Melbourne. Photo Nick Lomb The Parkes Radio Telescope, now also known by the Wiradjuri name of Murriyang, has been observing the radio sky at Parkes, NSW since 1961. In its early days, the telescope’s most famous activity was receiving the TV transmission of the first footsteps on the Moon in 1969 and relaying the signal world-wide. Many historic pictures of this and other Australian radio telescopes are available at https://www.atnf.csiro.au/resources/imagearchive/ . Photo Nick Lomb The 3.9 Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory pictured in 2012. This telescope, built jointly by the British and Australian governments, began regular scheduled operations in June 1975. A consortium of Australian universities now manage the telescope but its name has been left unchanged. Photo Nick Lomb The control desk of the Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory, pictured in 2012. The AAT was the first large telescope under computer control. Photo Nick Lomb The Fleurs radio telescope was at Badgery’s Creek, just outside Sydney. It originally consisted of 32 dishes, each of 5.8-m diameter, spread over east-west and north-south arms. After CSIRO transferred ownership to the University of Sydney, new larges dishes were added and the instrument became the Fleurs Synthesis Telescope. The photo shows some of the original dishes. Photo Nick Lomb The opening of the Australia Telescope in September 1988. The core of the radio telescope is the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) at Narrabri, NSW. Four of ATCA’s six 22-m dishes are shown in the image. Photo Nick Lomb The emu in the sky. The head of the emu is the Coalsack nebula, the Southern Cross (Crux) is directly above. Below is the emu engraving at the Elvina engraving site, in Kuring-Gai Chase National Park, near Sydney. Credit: Barnaby Norris & Ray Norris

Our annual workshop will be held on Wednesday 19 November 2025, 2pm to 5:15pm AEDT (UTC+11). It is open to members and non-members of the ASA and the Chapter and is free of charge. It is essential to register to attend on-line, and/or to receive recordings after the event. Select this button: Once you register you will receive a confirmation and a Zoom link will be provided the day before the workshop. All who register will receive information about how to download the recorded talks after the event. PROGRAM 2pm Introduction and acknowledgement of country (Nick Lomb) 2:10 Sir Thomas Brisbane’s Parramatta Observatory Revisited, 1821–1825 (Mark Rigby and Tom Harradine) 2:35 Making them visible: women in astronomy in Australia (Toner Stevenson) 3:00 How Australian Astronomers Cooked Up a High-Fibre Diet (Fred Watson) 3:25 Grote Reber in Tasmania (Martin George) 3:50 Indigenous astronomy: history, challenges and what we have learned (Duane Hamacher) 4:15 Observing the “Man-made Moons”: the Role of Australian Amateur Astronomers in Operation Moonwatch (Kerrie Dougherty) 4:40 Narrabri Stellar Intensity Interferometer (Stephanie Rossini-Bryson) 5pm Closing remarks The full program with abstracts and bios is available here: Notes: Each presentation is approximately 20 minutes in length and there will be a few minutes after each presentation for questions and discussion.

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 her e. 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 only the beginning of the resources the HAAC Chapter is creating to help researchers. 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: 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: 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

The Perth Observatory nearing completion, West Perth, Western Australia, 1899.  State Library of Western Australia 2195B/3:  The State-owned Perth Observatory had existed in Western Australia for over one hundred and seventeen years by the time it was closed for research in 2013. It had served a Colony and a State in delivering various scientific services to the people and the government of the day, as well as contributing to the international astronomical and scientific knowledge base. Its early life was born out of the needs and challenges of a new society; an initial British settlement and later colony founded in a new and strange land with few of the comforts of the British homeland.  Some of the foundation services, such as surveying and weather observations were essential for the fledgling Colony and had their roots in the State’s Survey Office formed in 1829.    Perth Observatory has been located at two sites in its history, the first at Mt Eliza on the outskirts of Perth City and later in the Perth Hills at Bickley. It has three Minor Planet Center (MPC) site codes 319, 322 and 323 due to the discovery of minor planets at its sites and with its instruments.   Mt Eliza.   Perth Observatory was founded on 29 September 1896 on a site overlooking the early Perth central business district. Its first task after foundation was to improve meteorological forecasting as well as assist in matters of geodesy, navigation, seismology and tides as well as assisting in surveying and defining the States’ boundary, all practical and essential services. In 1899 it received two telescopes, a standard 13-inch Astrograph by Grubb and a 6-inch Troughton & Simms Meridian Transit Circle, additionally two Milne Seismographs were installed.     By 1901 astronomy became an essential part of its business when it was asked to take over the Astrographic Catalogue Zone -31° to -41° Dec., approximately 229,000-star positions. By 1908 meteorology was transferred to a newly formed Commonwealth department, but Perth Observatory still remains a meteorological site to this day. In 1910 it received a 12 ½ inch Calver telescope in preparation for comet Halley. With the First and Second World War and the Great Depression, staff numbers were only maintained at a level to keep the doors open and provide essentail services. However, in the late 1950s staffing levels at the Observatory rose.     As a result of a grand WA Government plan for developing Metropolitan Perth in 1955, the land the Observatory had resided on was earmarked for the location of a Government Precinct that would see five Government towers erected on the site. Perth Observatory was initially to be relocated in the early 1960s, and then it was to be possibly closed due to the early and sudden death of its then Government Astronomer. Fortunately the observatory survived and moved to the hills east of the City to continue its work, but with a program more focussed on astronomy research than in its earlier years.    Between 1901 and 1963 Perth Observatory directors and staff had undertaken many significant activities. They had consolidated meteorological recordings from 1896 to 1908 to produce the first book on the climate of Western Australia and set up accurate time for the State (1899) after defining the Latitude for the State (1899). The Astrographic Catalogue Zone plates assigned to Perth had been completed and they had created the first catalogue of double stars for Declination -32, constructed Meridian catalogues for the entire Perth Astrographic Catalogue zones. The 129 th  Meridian, defining the eastern border of WA,had been surveyed and the team sent to observe the 1922 total solar eclipse at Wallal had provided critical time and surveying services to the Lick Observatory and other expeditions. Perth Observatory provided the US Navy time services during the war and they commenced seismological recordings and setup tide services for the North West. Perth Observatory was involved in early artificial satellite projects (Project Moonwatch), involved in the determination of Ephemeris Time and provided the all-important day and night tours and newspaper information services for the layman. It had also endured at least 3 attempts of closure.  The Administration building at Bickley, Perth Observatory archives 5 -12-67 P58-2. Bickley .  The second foundation stone for Perth Observatory was laid 30 kilometres east of Perth on 30 September, 1966. This was almost 70 years to the day from the laying of the first foundation stone on Mt Eliza. Unfortunately, the Government saw this as an opportunity to again relocate more services to the Commonwealth, this time Seismology, however the Observatory continued to provide other services.     The new Observatory continued its astrometric work using the original Grubb Astrograph and, as a result of the outcomes of a worldwide traveling fellowship tour by the Observatory’s third Government Astronomer,  accepted an offer for a German expedition to setup a new semi-automated Meridian telescope on the site. In addition, the Americans located a 24-inch Boller & Chivens telescope (called 'The Lowell' ) at Bickley during the Apollo missions. This telescope was large for its time. The University of Western Australia also setup a research telescope allowing the Observatory to move into more astrophysical fields of observation.     The new Observatory was rewarded by an increase in staff as the space race was seen as a valuable scientific avenue for Australia and the West Australian government to fund.    The Astrographic telescope commenced a program of second epoch plates with the same centres as those taken between 1901 and the 1940s with a view of investigating proper motions. In addition, investigations on minor planets and comets commenced. In 1970 observing efforts were rewarded with its own minor planet discovery, MP 2993 Wendy. The Hamburg Meridian expedition was successful, and the Perth 70 positional catalogue is still renown today. After the German team left in 1971, the telescope remained on loan and the Perth Observatory staff observed and created two new catalogues, Perth 75 and Perth 83 .  The University of Western Australia telescope, a redeveloped CATTS telescope of the late 1800s, was used to not only to teach and train students at all tertiary levels but assisted in programs on the discovery of the rings of Uranus in 1977 as well as being used to observe the apparition of comet Halley in the 1980s. The American ' Lowell' telescope had been initially used as part of the NASA funded International Planetary Patrol Program to obtain uninterrupted imaging to investigate the day-to-day and hour-to-hour changes in the large-scale atmospheric and surface features of the planets. After this, the telescope was fitted with a photometer, and this enhanced Perth Observatory's observation of comets and minor planets. Later the telescope was automated and worked on supernova searching as well as micro-lensing events.    On 21 October, 1976, Perth Observatory (Bickley) was State Heritage listed.    By 2013, Perth Observatory staff had completed 2 nd  epoch observatory of the Perth Astrographic Zones, recovered five lost comets, provided 10% of all ground-based observations of Comet Halley, discovered 27 new minor planets and been involved in many international observing programs. After 100 years of observing the astrographic telescope was replaced in 1999 by an automated telescope. The Hamburg Meridian Transit circle produced three prestigious Southern Hemisphere catalogues before being shutdown in 1987 and returned to Germany. The 'Lowell' telescope not only remained the only other one outside America in the International Planetary Parol Program in the late 1970s, but with the attachment of a photometer would see it changing theories on comets and minor planets until the late 1990s. It was responsible for the co-discovery of the rings of Uranus, ‘jets’ in Comet Halley and a Supernovae discovery.     In 2017 the Observatory completed a National Library of Australia 'Significance Assessment', and in 2019 a 'Needs Assessment'. It has digitised over 20,000 photographic glass plates and hundreds of State records of the work undertaken between 1896 and 2013.    Closure   Perth Observatory was to endure several more attempts at closure after its relocation to Bickley and in 2013 finally succumbed to all staff leaving due to Government funding being reallocated to other projects. It remains open today for tours by a volunteer group.    Conclusion   The Perth Observatory’s history is one of resilience, adaptation and inspiration. Founded initially to service the practical needs of a Colony and then a State, it grew into a centre of excellence on the world stage contributing to humanity’s exploration of space while retaining its deep engagement with the public.     The Observatory site and collection is a reminder of Western Australia's global connections in astronomy, and the search for knowledge by its directors and staff, despite funding and staffing challenges. There is continuing research into this history and ongoing digitisation projects that today are delivered by a dedicated group of astronomers and staff, often in their own time.  About the author: Dr Craig Bowers is an astronomer and worked at Perth Observatory, Bickley. His doctoral thesis is titled: 'The scientific history of the Perth Observatory from 1960 to 1993'. Craig works as the honorary historian at Perth Observatory, where he continues the tradition of writing a guide to the night sky for a WA newspaper and is on the Perth Observatory heritage team. Craig is a member of the HAAC Committee. References: Haynes, R., Haynes, R. D., Malin, D., and McGee, R.,(2010) Explorers of the Southern Sky, Cambridge University Press, pp 90-94. Link : https://www.cambridge.org/au/universitypress/subjects/physics/history-philosophy-and-foundations-physics/explorers-southern-sky-history-australian-astronomy Utting, M., (1993) Astronomy in Western Australia. Link : https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/outputs/991005541631407891 Utting, M., (1999) The Perth Observatory, 1940-1962. Link :  https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/outputs/991005541079607891 Bowers, C., (2016) The scientific history of the Perth Observatory from 1960 to 1993 Link: https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/outputs/991005540090107891 Perth Observatory - inHerit - State Heritage Office Link: https://inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au/public/inventory/details/4ce87c15-3324-4c5c-9963-8b1b97340a17

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.

Ballarat Observatory. Photo Nick Lomb. Ballarat observatory, in the state of Victoria, opened in 1886 as the first municipal observatory in Australia. Its largest telescope is a locally-built 26-inch (66-cm) Newtonian reflector. Shown is the Observatory’s Jelbart dome containing a 5-inch (13-cm) Cooke lens telescope. The observatory is open to the public for visits and there is a very active local astronomy society. For more information, and to visit the observatory, use this link: https://ballaratobservatory.org.au/ .

The opening of the Australia Telescope in September 1988. Photo Nick Lomb The opening of the Australia Telescope in 1988 was very important to the further development in radio astronomy in Australia. The core of the radio telescope is the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) at Narrabri, NSW. Four of ATCA’s six 22-m dishes are shown in the image above taken at the opening of the telescope by then Prime Minister Bob Hawke. To find out more about how Astronomy changed in Australia from 1966 through to 2024 read this paper: Lomb Nick, Stevenson Toner (2025) Spreading across the continent: the Astronomical Society of Australia 1966–2023. Historical Records of Australian Science  36, HR24020.

The 3.9 Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory pictured in 2012. Photo Nick Lomb This telescope, built jointly by the British and Australian governments, began regular scheduled operations in June 1975. A consortium of Australian universities now manage the telescope but its acronym (AAT) has been left unchanged.