Siding Spring Observatory news
Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue56 1–31 October 2024
AAT 50th Anniversary Symposium and Starfest
On 16th October 1974, the then-Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, officially opened the AAT. 50 years later, a three-day symposium was held at SSO to celebrate the opening. Over 100 people, including astronomers, former directors and current and former staff, attended the symposium, the highlight of which was the cake-cutting ceremony at the base of the telescope led by Aunty Brenda.
If you’d like to know more about the history of the AAT, then I invite you to listen to a wonderful 11-minute chat between Fred Watson and Robyn Williams.
Immediately following the Symposium was the annual Starfest, consisting of the Bok Lecture, Science in the Pub, and Open Day. Of special note was this year’s Bok Lecture, which was given by Krystal De Napoli under the stars in the Warrumbungle National Park.
Over 2,000 people attended Open Day. SSO would not be able to run Open Day without the support of volunteers. This year, we had over 50 volunteers, a record! We also received significant support from the local community, including 2357, Coonabarabran Stargazing, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
In addition to thanking the volunteers, I want to especially thank Zoe for the work she did over the past 6 months in organising the Symposium and Open Day. These events would not have run anywhere near as well as they did if it were not for Zoe’s tireless efforts.
2.3-metre Mirror Re-coating
Hot on the heels of Starfest was the recoating of the primary mirror of the ANU 2.3-metre telescope. This year, SSO staff successfully recoated both the AAT and the 2.3-metre primary mirrors. Next year looks just as busy with the primary mirrors of KMTNet, LCO Faulkes and the AAT all needing to be recoated.
Welcome Evgeny Klintukh
It is with great pleasure that I welcome Evgeny Klintukh to SSO. Evgeny has joined the electronics team at SSO and started on October 21st. We wish him the very best at SSO.
Chris Lidman, on behalf of the staff at SSO.
Image
Left: The Hon Mark Coulton (MP) speaking at the cake-cutting ceremony with Prof Fred Watson on the left, and fellow cake cutters, Aunty Brenda, Prof Julia Bryant and Cr Zoe Holcombe on the right.
Right: The freshly coated 2.3-metre mirror within the outer lid of the AAT recoating chamber. SSO staff (Matt, Zach, Zoe, Glen and Ian) proudly stand in front of the mirror. A job very well done!
