Sydney Observatory celebrates 150 years. May 29, 2008
Posted by astroed in Astronomy, ICT, Physics.trackback
Sydney Observatory’s time ball was first dropped at 12 noon on 5 June 1858. To celebrate this the Observatory has a series of events over the next few weeks. A new flagstaff will be officially opened on the 7th. The Observatory plays a key role in communicating astronomy and science to the public and has a stunning location at atop The Rocks, overlooking the harbour and the bridge.
- Monday 2 June at 6:30 pm – A talk on the history of Sydney Observatory by Nick Lomb – “Rise, fall and rise again: the tale of Sydney Observatory”
- Thursday 5 June – media preview of the new Observing the weather exhibition, the reinstalled giant flagmast and the renovated Fort Phillip Signal Station
- Saturday 7 June, Sunday 8 June & Monday 9 June Open weekend with the anniversary speeches, the anniversary dropping of the time ball and the ceremonial raising of the flags on the Saturday morning
- Friday 13 June 6:30 pm – A talk by Fred Watson – “Why is Uranus upside down?” – followed by telescope viewing
- Saturday 14 June – seminar on the history of Australian meteorology – Target Theatre, Powerhouse Museum
- Sunday 15 June – seminar on the history of Australian astronomy – Target Theatre, Powerhouse Museum
- Friday 4 July and Saturday 5 July from 6 pm – the annual “Festival of the stars
The seminars on the 14th and 15th of June include a great range of speakers and cover a diverse range of topics including Aboriginal astronomy by Ray Norris from the ATNF and the history of The Dish at Parkes.
Thanks to Nick Lomb from Sydney Observatory for these details.
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