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Speaker: Duane Hamacher, Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the School of Physics and Director of the Cultural & Indigenous Astronomy Program at the University of Melbourne. This presentation was delivered at the first HAAC seminar, 19 November 2025. Link to the 16 minute YouTube recording: https://youtu.be/MrI0M9matwE Abstract: Over the last 20 years, research and collaboration in Indigenous Astronomy has evolved significantly. The protocols and processes have changed and we have learned a great deal about how to better engage with research scholarship, outcomes, and outputs, though there is still much to learn. From previous lessons, we can start to develop a new framework to research and engagement that better adheres to de-colonial practices, changing misconceptions, benefiting community outcomes, and addressing many of the challenging issues we face today. There is not always an easy answer, but we must continue to grapple with the dynamic variables that alter what we do, why we do it and who this work benefits. In this talk, I will take a deep dive into discussing these issues with a focus on addressing the misconceptions and misinformation about researching and teaching Indigenous ways of knowing in universities and the public sphere, challenging the pervasive but flawed "science vs myth" narrative. Bio: Duane Hamacher is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the School of Physics and Director of the Cultural & Indigenous Astronomy Program at the University of Melbourne. He studies humanity's connection to the stars in terms of culture, history, science and society, from ancient pasts to space futures.

This presentation was delivered at the first HAAC seminar, 19 November 2025. Link to the 16 minute YouTube recording: https://youtu.be/GcCqDp7uvC8 Speaker: Dr Martin George, Principal Astronomer at Hive in Ulverstone, Tasmania. Abstract: Pioneering radio astronomer Grote Reber (1911-2002) is famous for his construction of the world’s first purpose-built radio telescope in 1937 in the USA, which resulted in a radio map of the sky at the frequency of 160 MHz. However, he later took a great interest in work at much lower frequencies. Beginning in 1954, Reber spent much of his life in Tasmania, where he had learned that ionospheric conditions were more suitable for this work. After initially working with Graeme Ellis (who was later appointed as Chair of Physics at the University of Tasmania), he went on independently of Ellis and other University researchers to build antenna arrays near the Tasmanian towns of Kempton and, more significantly, Bothwell. At the latter site, he gathered data that enabled him to construct a radio map of the southern sky at the frequency of 2.085 MHz. Bio: Dr Martin George is Principal Astronomer at Hive in Ulverstone. He is passionate about public communication of astronomy, being well known in the media and making frequent appearances on radio and television since 1973 to discuss astronomy and space research. A major interest of Martin is astronomical history; he has written several papers about Tasmanian low-frequency radio astronomy.

This presentation was delivered at the first HAAC seminar, 19 November 2025. Link to the 16 minute YouTube recording: https://youtu.be/6wo1dsWtXg0 Speaker: Fred Watson AM, honorary professor of astronomy advocacy and engagement at Macquarie University. Abstract: Following the development of low-loss optical fibres by Corning in 1970, it was Roger Angel of the University of Arizona who first highlighted their astronomical possibilities and developed experimental multiobject spectroscopy systems for the Steward Observatory. In Australia, David Carter (Anglo-Australian Observatory) and Richard Ellis (Durham) quickly recognised the technique’s enormous potential for the 3.9metre Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT). Under the engineering leadership of Peter Gray, a series of successful multi-fibre systems was introduced from 1981, evolving by the mid-1990s into the robotic 2dF (2-degree field) system. By 2005, 2dF had completed the ground-breaking 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey and remains the flagship multi-object instrument on the AAT today. In parallel with these developments, wide-field multi-fibre systems were introduced on the neighbouring 1.2-metre UK Schmidt Telescope by the author, culminating in 6dF (6degree field, 2001), which yielded an enduring legacy with the 6dF Galaxy Survey (6dFGS) and Radial Velocity Survey of half a million stars (RAVE). A subsequent development on the Schmidt was the innovative technology demonstrator TAIPAN (2020), while an investigation into the possibilities of waveguide devices by the author in 1995 helped to pave the way for the science of astrophotonics in which several Australian universities are today world-class players. Bio: Fred Watson AM is an honorary professor of astronomy advocacy and engagement at Macquarie University. From 2018 to 2024, he was the Australian Government’s first Astronomer-at-Large, having served for the previous 20 years as the Astronomer-in-Charge of the former AAO. He led several projects in advanced astronomical instrumentation and spectroscopic surveys and today is actively involved in both the history and future of Australian astronomy.

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 24 May 1978, The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium was officially opened (50 year anniversary) 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)

This presentation was delivered at the first HAAC seminar, 19 November 2025. You can click on the image above or here for the Link to the 15 minute YouTube recording: Speaker: Toner Stevenson, History research affiliate with The University of Sydney. Abstract: This presentation illustrates and critically examines how women, who were involved in astronomy, have been missed, forgotten or lacked acknowledgement through three examples. There are obvious reasons why there were fewer opportunities for women to have a career in astronomy, such as workplace law, but there were other less visible barriers that emerge in the individual stories. The first woman case studied is Margie Arnold, who worked for John Tebbutt as a ‘computer’ at Windsor Observatory. Questions about the agency of the astrographic star measurers and computers are examined through the work of Perth Observatory astrographic assistant Prudence Valentine Williams. How University of Sydney physicist Edna Dorothy Sayce’s contribution to solar research in 1922 was acknowledged illustrates a common issue with attribution. In the conclusion, I discuss why the inclusion of the ‘hidden figures’ is important in the history of astronomy. Bio: Dr Toner Stevenson is a History research affiliate with The University of Sydney. She researches the history of astronomy in Australia, in particular, the contribution of women. Her museum career includes Sydney Observatory, the Powerhouse Ultimo and the Natural History Museum, London. She managed the school of Humanities at the University of Sydney until 2024.

This presentation was delivered at the first HAAC seminar, 19 November 2025. Click on the image or here for the link to the 16 minute YouTube recording. Speakers: Mark Rigby OAM, Past Curator, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, and Tom Harradine, Independent Researcher and amateur astronomer Abstract: Parramatta Observatory was Australia’s first dedicated astronomical facility, quickly gaining international recognition with the recovery of comet Encke in 1822 - the first since Halley’s comet in 1758. This presentation introduces NSW Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane, who funded and established the observatory, and explores his legacy as a key figure in the development of organised science in Australia. Drawing on archival sources and site visits, it brings to life the observatory’s daily operations during Brisbane’s governorship, highlighting the value of revisiting primary sources, examining in detail original observational records, and visualising this historical information. Bio: Mark Rigby OAM was Curator of the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium until retiring in 2021. He has promoted astronomy and space exploration through media work and 36 years at Brisbane’s planetarium. His interest in Sir Thomas Brisbane led to visits to relevant sites in Australia and Scotland, and involvement in naming minor planet Brisbane. Bio: Tom Harradine is an independent researcher and amateur astronomer focussed on Sir Thomas Brisbane and the Parramatta Observatory, with particular attention to the original observational records. He seeks to broaden public awareness and education, and to support efforts that preserve and interpret Brisbane’s observatory sites in both Australia and Scotland.

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 on radio properties of active stars and then planetary nebulae, but most of Alan's energies were focused on establishing and strengthening the astronomy teaching and outreach programs. This included undergraduate astronomy subjects (now a major of the BSc), the Macquarie Astronomical Observatory, the Foundation for Astronomy, an annual School of Astronomy for amateur astronomers, and the Astronomy Open Nights, (which are the largest annual outreach events on the University calendar after Open Day). Alan retired in 2007 but maintained contact with the outreach activities. The success of Alan’s many endeavours laid the foundation for the growth of astronomical activity at Macquarie University to its current strength today.

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 source counts, having been in the research groups at both schools. And he was in Cambridge in the mid 60s at the peak of the controversies. One such example is Steady State vs Big Bang. Bruce was a great participant at the School of Physics at The University of Sydney and maintained his interest in Physics to the last. Longstanding members of SIfA and the ASA will remember Bruce and Janice at many functions and ASA meetings over the years, even long after he retired. It was his long service to the Australian astronomical community and the ASA as a Foundation member that prompted the ASA to waive fees for all members with 50+ years of membership. A line in his email reply acknowledging that says so much about him - "Stay active and support young members!” Bruce was very helpful to grad students - whether or not he was their supervisor. Moreover, you would come away from a discussion with Bruce carrying a sheet of paper on which he had noted the important points. Authors: John O'Byrne, Associate Professor, and Dr Gordon Robertson, Associate, School of Physics, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney. Bruce McAdam was one of the "originals" in radio astronomy. He died quietly at home some 30 years after his retirement from the University of Sydney. 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 source counts, having been in the research groups at both schools. And he was in Cambridge in the mid 60s at the peak of the controversies. ONe such example is Steady State vs Big Bang. Bruce was a great participant at the School of Physics at The University of Sydney and maintained his interest in Physics to the last. Longstanding members of SIfA and the ASA will remember Bruce and Janice at many functions and ASA meetings over the years, even long after he retired. It was his long service to the Australian astronomical community and the ASA as a Foundation member that prompted the ASA to waive fees for all members with 50+ years of membership. A line in his email reply acknowledging that says so much about him - "Stay active and support young members!” Bruce was very helpful to grad students - whether or not he was their supervisor. Moreover, you would come away from a discussion with Bruce carrying a sheet of paper on which he had noted the important points.

Don Morton, photo courtesy David Malin The family of Donald Charles Morton announced his peaceful passing on Sunday, April 26th, 2026, at nearly 93 years old. Don was an internationally recognised astrophysicist, accomplished mountaineer, and life-long Meccano hobbyist. He will be remembered for his enduring curiosity, commitment to excellence and detail, extraordinary perseverance, and joy when out-of-doors. Don was born on 12 June 1933 in Kapuskasing, in Northern Ontario. He grew up in North Toronto, where he and his mother Irene (Wightman) lived with her parents. They made regular visits to Wendigo Gold Mine near Kenora, ON, where his father Charles Orr Morton worked as an accountant. He greatly enjoyed his activities with Boy Scouts, which prepared him well for his later mountaineering, and regularly explored to the edge of the city on his bicycle. His interest in astronomy and engineering began at a very early age. This led him to attend Northern Vocational School (now Northern Secondary) so he could take drafting, electronics and machine shop, subjects that were foundational to much of his later work and hobbies. In 1952, Don joined the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and worked at the David Dunlap Observatory the summer before enrolling in Engineering Physics at the University of Toronto. He so thoroughly enjoyed collecting new astronomical data with telescopes that he quickly transferred to Mathematics and Physics (Victoria College), taking the astronomy option. Don Morton receiving the RASC gold medal in 1956. Left to right National Treasurer J.H. Horning, Don, and renowned astronomer Helen Sawyer Hogg. He won the Gold Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 1956 (see photo above). Later that year, Don moved to Princeton University for PhD studies in Astronomy, modeling structure of binary star systems. His student days were followed by flying instruments on astronomical rockets for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C. He then returned to Princeton to manage a rocket program that became the precursor to the Copernicus space telescope and made the first ultraviolet spectroscopic observations of stars. With Copernicus, he measured interstellar absorption lines in the UV spectrum of the star Zeta Ophiuchi. During his long research career, Don also worked on stellar structure, stellar atmospheres, QSO spectra, and the compilation of atomic and molecular data. For the latter, he determined atomic data for resonance absorption lines longward of the Lyman limit that have been used widely. Don spent ten wonderful years in Sydney as Director of the Anglo-Australian Observatory, establishing it on the world stage with a commitment to excellence in both astrophysical research and instrumentation development. In 1986, he returned to Canada with his family, initially to Ottawa and then to Victoria, as the Director General of the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (HIA) within the National Research Council. During his fourteen-year tenure, Don helped shape national priorities and was instrumental in securing Canada’s participation in the Gemini Observatory and the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). His leadership ensured that Canadian astronomers had a "seat at the table" for the era of large telescopes, space observatories, and international digital archives. Morton’s honors reflected his international reach. He was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 1984 and was named an Honorary Fellow of the Astronomical Society of Australia. In recognition of his contributions to the field, Asteroid (20106) Morton was named in his honor. Don retired from NRC in 2000 but was active even then, studying theoretical atomic physics, solar physics and astronomical contributions to climate change. Don is equally well known for his mountaineering adventures, kindled at age seven, by a trip to the Rocky Mountains of Canada where his mother mentioned people actually climb the mountains. Beginning in the 1960’s, he made many expeditions, often on his way to or from an astronomical meeting. He made several first ascents in Canada and Peru, and climbed some of the highest mountain ranges across the globe. He also proposed names for these peaks, often to recognize other Canadian astronomers. On a first trip to Baffin Island he noticed a remarkable peak with a sheer face that had not been noted by earlier expeditions and suggested the name Mt. Thor. On a return trip two years later, made the first ascent with his PhD mentor and friend Lyman Spitzer. Don soloed the Matterhorn and climbed some of the highest peaks in Afghanistan and South America. At age 69, he attempted Everest from the Tibet side, ascending all the way up to the North col (7066 m), before wisely turning back. These journeys took him through the historic landscapes the world over, and he came home with stories of close calls, mishaps, or even the perils of small planes landing at remote airstrips. Building Meccano models was another life-long interest, taking them to shows in Canada, Australia and the UK. He designed and constructed models of steam engines, cranes, robots, and amusement park rides, many of which were motorized. He even created scale models of the telescopes using a concave shaving mirror to set the scale. Even in his final days he was constructing a large model of a Sydney Harbour crane. Don was always humble, highlighting others’ accomplishments and crediting steady effort rather than exceptional brilliance for any successes. He encouraged his family to learn and be curious. He wrote numerous articles on astronomy, mountaineering and his various hobbies, always eager to pass on what he learned. He was also a person of quiet, but deep faith, referring to Genesis 1:1 as the first step in interpreting the wonderful Universe we can observe with our telescopes, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Donald Morton is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Winifred (née Austin) Morton; his son Keith (wife Amy, née Bartlett) and their children Benjamin, Eleanor and William; and his daughter Christine Demore (husband Charles) and their daughter Naomi. He will be deeply missed by his family and colleagues across the world. Authors: James Di Francesco, Director, Optical Astronomy, HAA; Dennis Crabtree, Director Emeritus, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and Don Morton's family.

Introduction The theme of this years United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is “Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls.” Astronomy is a science at the forefront of technological innovation and there are Australian women astronomers whose work is and was technological in nature and ground breaking. However, apart from Ruby Payne-Scott whose mathematical and innovative work in radio astronomy has been acknowledged, (1) few others are well-known. Caption: Photo of Louise Webster, Credit Storey and Faulkner (1991) (6) Louise Webster is a ‘hidden’ outstanding Australian astronomer, whose co-identification of the first fully plausible black hole remained largely unknown to all outside professional astronomy, perhaps due to her modesty. In recent years she has been recognised by astrophysicist Alistair Graham et al (2) and British science journalist Marcus Chown (3). In October 2024 Chown was interviewed by Robyn Williams on the ABC’s Radio National The Science Show and said: ‘Incredibly Louise Webster, an Australian woman, was the co-discoverer of black holes, and she has been largely written out of history and forgotten' (4) In 2024 Hon Professor Nick Lomb and I were researching the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA), which was formed in 1966. We examined the lists of members, examining gender diversity, the locations and types of astronomy-related organisations that employed ASA members and student member demographics (5). Our research revealed that many of the early women professional astronomers and PhD students went on to have outstanding careers, but their research was sometimes hard to find due to surname changes after they married. The 1969 list of women who were ASA members included Anne Green (nee Barwick), Margaret Clarke, Joyce Ekers (nee Billings), Beverley Wills (nee Harris), Donna Dee Shinkawa (nee Hain), Pamela Kennedy, Jeanette Merkeli, Marilyn Mowat, Lindsey Fairfield Smith, Reet Vallak, and Louise Webster, who was also known as Betty Louise Turtle after she married Sydney University astronomer Anthony ‘Tony’ J Turtle. This blog post acknowledges Webster. Louise Webster (1941–90) Louise Webster was born in Adelaide in 1941. She was the only woman in the physics class at Adelaide University where she studied for an undergraduate science degree (6). Webster excelled and obtained a scholarship to research southern planetary nebulae at the Australian National University (ANU) for her PhD. At Mt Stromlo Observatory, under Directorship of Bart Bok and supervised by Bengt Westerlund, Webster observed and analysed the characteristics (distance, relative position brightness and temperatures) of nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds (7). Her thesis was accepted in 1966 (8) and is now available online. She presented at an International Astronomical Union symposium in 1967, and then worked as an instructor at the University of Wisconsin and published research papers related to planetary nebulae (6,9). In 1969 Webster was employed as a Scientific Officer by the Royal Greenwich Observatory at Herstmonceux in Southern England. Here she observed using the 98 inch (almost 2.5 metres) Isaac Newton reflector telescope (INT). The observer can sit inside this telescope (as shown in the image below) and when it was inaugurated in 1967, it was the largest telescope outside the USA and Russia (9). It was similar to the smaller 74-inch (1.9-m) telescope at Mt Stromlo, which Webster would have been familiar with. Within a year she was promoted to Senior Scientific Officer. Caption: The Isaac Newton telescope, Herstmonceux ~1970s. Courtesy The Observatory Science Centre. Using the Isaac Newton telescope (pictures above) Webster measured the spectra of stars to determine their speed. Next to her desk sat fellow astronomer Paul Murdin, who was examining the results of NASA’s recently launched X-Ray telescope satellite. To solve a mystery as to the origin of an X-Ray source in the constellation Cygnus, they combined their knowledge and began to theorise as to what could be causing the X-ray source, called Cygnus X-1 (10). Webster focused her observations on a super-massive blue star adjacent the Cygnus X-1 source to look for a companion star which could solve this puzzle. Finding no companion star, Webster and Murdin concluded in their paper published in Nature in 1972 (11) that ‘…it is inevitable that we should also speculate that it might be a black hole.’ Webster was the lead author of the paper. Image left caption: Illustration of Cygnus X-1 courtesy NASA/CXC/M.Weiss. Showing the black hole, identified by Webster, pulling material from the massive blue star. In 1974 Webster was promoted to Principal Scientific Officer, she worked on a South African branch of the observatory and then as commissioning officer of the Anglo-Australian telescope, where she became staff astronomer (6). In 1979 Webster accepted a position at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) where she contributed significantly to the development of the astrophysics curriculum and capability. Webster was active in the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) and her leadership led to the ASA annual scientific conference being held at UNSW in 1983. She was appointed Head of the Department of Astrophysics and Optics at UNSW and was project lead on the development of a new telescope at Siding Spring Observatory (6). In 1989 Webster was elected to the ASA Council, sadly she died the following year.at the early age of 49, and astronomers mourned the loss of an outstanding scientist. An obituary outlined her discovery of a black hole, contribution to the advancement of astronomy, education and mentorship of others (6). In 2009 the ASA named a prize in her honour and each year since this has been awarded to early career researchers (5). On International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 Feb) we remember and acknowledge Louise Webster as an extraordinary Australian scientist. ADDENDUM: Note that after this blogpost was published a paper that describes Louise Webster's early life in South Australia and is more comprehensive in other ways was authored by Nicola Hughes and published by the Astronomical Society of South Australia. We suggest you read this to find out more. References: 1. Goss, M.. (2013) Making Waves: The Story of Ruby Payne-Scott: Australian Pioneer Radio Astronomer 2013., Springer Nature, Berlin, Heidelberg; Goss, M (2009) Under the Radar: The First Woman in Radio Astronomy: Ruby Payne-Scott 1st edn R McGee (ed), Springer Nature, Berlin, Heidelberg. 2. Graham, A. W., Kenyon, K. H., Bull, L. J., Lokuge Don, V. C., & Kuhlmann, K. (2021). History of Astronomy in Australia: Big-Impact Astronomy from World War II until the Lunar Landing (1945–1969). Galaxies, 9(2), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies9020024. 3. Chown, M. (2024) ‘The woman who discovered black holes’ blogpost, New Humanist. https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/6296/the-woman-who-discovered-black-holes; Chown, M. (2023) Chown, M 2023, The one thing you need to know: the simple way to understand the most important ideas in science, Michael O’Mara Books Limited, London, p.p. 147-8. 4. ‘A Crack in Everything’, ABC Radio, The Science Show, Marcus Chown interviewed by Robyn Williams, 5 October 2024. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/scienceshow/marcus-chown-a-crack-in-everything/104436398 5. Stevenson T., Lomb N. (2024) Gender diversity in Australian astronomy: the Astronomical Society of Australia 1966–2023. Historical Records of Australian Science 36, HR24022, https://doi.org/10.1071/HR24022 6. Storey, J.W.V. and Faulker, D.J. (1991) ‘Betty Louise Turtle, 1941–1990’, Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, 9(1), pp. 6–7. https://asa.astronomy.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Webster.pdf 7. Betty Louise Webster thesis, ANU. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/138438 8. Webster, Louise (1969) The masses and galactic distribution of southern planetary nebulae. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 143, 79. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/143.1.79 9. Corben, P., Hobden, D., Jones, D., Nicholson, B., Scales, B., Selmes, R., Wallis, R., Wilkins, G. (2006) Astronomers at Herstmonceux: in their own words, Science Projects Publishing, East Sussex, Wilson, A (ed). 10. Murdin, P. (2023). ‘Webster, B. Louise’, in: Nicholson, P.D., Bartlett, J.L. (eds) Biographical Encyclopedia of Astronomers. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0738-1_101023-1 11. Webster, B.L., Murdin, P., (1972) Cygnus X-1-a Spectroscopic Binary with a Heavy Companion ?, Nature 235, 37–38. https://doi.org/10.1038/235037a0 Note: A version of this blogpost, written for International Women's Day 2025, was published on Sydney City Skywatchers website.

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: 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: 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.

1986 the dome being lifted off the building revealing the astrographic telescope. Photo Nick Lomb. In 1986, the Astrographic Telescope, together with the dome covering it, was moved from Sydney Observatory to Macquarie University. Its last use was to photograph Halley’s Comet that returned in that same year. The telescope had been the Observatory’s main research instrument but became superfluous when the Observatory came under the auspices of the Powerhouse and research ceased in 1983. The photographs above were taken by Nick Lomb and show (left to right) the dome being lifted; the telescope being removed by crane; the demolition of the building. The telescope has two tubes. One has a 13-inch (33-cm) lens and functions as a giant camera, while the other is a guide telescope with a 10-inch (25-cm) lens. The guide telescope was needed as the accuracy with which the mount tracked the apparent motion of the sky was not perfect and sometimes it moved a little fast and sometimes a little slowly. The astronomer looked through crosshairs at a star and if it drifted off, speeded up or slowed down the telescope, as needed. One of the authors (NL) can attest that this was not easy to do at 3 am in the morning! If he or she drifted off to sleep during an exposure, the star images on the resulting photographic plate were streaks instead of round dots. The telescope was built by the Dublin telescope maker Sir Howard Grubb. They were built specifically for the Astrographic Catalogue project that originated at a conference in Paris in 1887. This conference decided to use the then new technique of photography to compile a catalogue of star positions over the entire sky. The sky was divided into zones with the zones allocated to various observatories. The NSW Government Astronomer, Henry Chamberlain Russell, accepted a large zone of the southern sky and another large section on behalf of Melbourne Observatory. Unlike other observatories, Sydney Observatory did not buy an entire telescope for the purpose. Instead, it just purchased the lens and Russell had the tube and mount built locally. This telescope had an English mount, with the telescope inside a fork that allowed it to move up and down, that is, in declination. The fork was aligned north-south and attached to two piers and could rotate east or west, that is, in right ascension. This was similar to the French designed astrographs. This initial astrographic telescope was replaced with the Grubb telescope from Melbourne Observatory when that observatory closed down in 1944. At Sydney, the telescope was placed in brick housing capped by a rotating dome. As mentioned, in 1986, both the telescope and its dome went to Macquarie University. The dome was removed to Macquarie University by trailer across the Harbour Bridge Unfortunately, the planned public observatory and planetarium there did not eventuate, due to lack of funds. However, both the instrument and dome were preserved there for about three decades. The completed East Dome building showing the restored dome on top of a new building and the Astrographic telescope is in the adjacent connected building on the right. Photograph by Nick Lomb. Recently, the telescope and its dome came back to Sydney Observatory and housed in a new building topped by the dome at its original location. The building named 'East Dome' was opened on 27 January 2015. The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care NSW sponsored the construction of the building, in particular the internal lift that takes people up into the dome, and the purchase of a new accessible telescope fitted with an articulated relay eyepiece. Now people with reduced mobility are able to have an equitable telescope dome experience. NSW Public Works supported the project by restoring the dome and the Powerhouse conservators and volunteers restored the Astrographic Telescope that is part of the static display next to the dome. The building, designed by the NSW Government architects Angus Donald, Vivian Soutas and Terry King, won the prestigious 2015 National Trust Award for adaptive re-use. The Authors Adjunct Professor Nick Lomb is the Chair of the History of Australian Astronomy Chapter of the ASA. He was the curator of Sydney Observatory in addition to astronomy, horology, surveying and meteorology for the Powerhouse Museum until 2012. Dr Toner Stevenson is the Secretary of HAAC and was the Manager of Sydney Observatory during the construction of the East Dome when she led the steering group for the project.