Siding Spring Observatory Update
Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue52 1–30 June 2024
It has been a busy month at SSO. There is never a dull moment. The month started with a spectacular auroral display (see image), probably one of the best displays at SSO in decades, and ended with the failure of the inner sarcophagus of Veloce due to over-pressurisation. Over the past few days, the team at SSO together with help from the AITC has been putting the inner sarcophagus back into shape. The before and after photos can be seen in the image.
A visit from the Australian Airforce
SSO also had a visit from a C-130 plane from the Australian Air Force. We were advised of the visit well in advance, so it was an opportunity for us to take some pictures as the plane flew overhead.
AAT 50th Anniversary Symposium – request for volunteers
50 years ago, on October 16, 1974, King Charles III officially opened the AAT. Since that time the AAT has helped launch the careers of dozens of astronomers both here in Australia and overseas.
To celebrate the event, ANU is organising a 50th Anniversary Symposium, which will occur over three days from October 02 to October 04, just before Starfest. People can register via the Symposium website
We are now seeking volunteers to help prepare and run the event. If you are interested in volunteering, please let the SSO Director and Zoe Holcombe (chair of the LOC) know. We will cover your travel and accommodation costs, and there will be an opportunity to meet several famous astronomers.
Farewell James Cameron
After several years of excellent service, James Cameron will be leaving us to take up a role outside of astronomy. James worked as part of the Observatory Operations Team and was also a night assistant. He also worked for the AITC on several IT projects. We wish James all the best in his new job and hope that he can drop by from time to time to say hello.
Chris Lidman, on behalf of the staff at SSO.
Compiled Figure
Images clockwise from left: An image of the Aurora Australis with the AAT and ANU workshop in the foreground. (The image was captured by Blake Estes of iTelescope), Images 2 and 3 - The deformed inner sarcophagus in the left and the repaired inner sarcophagus on the right. (Photo credit: Kevin Dawson and Brian Taylor). Image 3 - An image of the C-130 taken by Blake Estes as it flew over SSO.
